Police in Texas apprehend suspect in drive-by shooting that killed unintended target enjoying beer with friends

Texas authorities have apprehended a suspect in the drive-by shooting last spring of a man who was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

On Feb. 2, authorities arrested Arturo Reyes, 30, and charged him with the shooting death of 53-year-old Gerado Ramirez in Midland.

On March 13, 2021, police responding to reports of a shooting at around midnight found Ramirez with a bullet wound to the head. According to witnesses, Ramirez had just finished having a beer and was exiting a friend’s house when he was hit.

The victim was initially treated at an area hospital and then transferred to a medical facility in Lubbock, where he died from his injuries on March 30, 2021.

According to an arrest affidavit obtained by KPEJ-TV, witnesses told investigators a man who lived at the home where the incident occurred may know who shot Ramirez.

Through the man’s information, investigators were able to track down a person identified in the affidavit as “Milby.”

Nine days after Ramirez was shot, the affidavit states, narcotics detectives arrested “Milby,” who allegedly had in his possession a 9mm gun, which lab reports later confirmed was the murder weapon in the Ramirez case.

In a prison interview, “Milby” allegedly admitted his involvement in the drive-by shooting, telling investigators he “emptied the entire clip,”according to the affidavit. He also allegedly said Ramirez was never the intended target,

“Milby” claimed to detectives another man, identified in court documents as “Olguin,” was also involved in the deadly shooting, the affidavit states.

On Jan. 21, “Olguin” allegedly confirmed he was involved in the incident and said the gun used belonged to Reyes, who, he claimed, was the driver the night of the deadly drive-by shooting.

During the investigation,the Lincoln City Police Department in Oregon reached out to Midland detectives in Texas and shared an email from a witness. According to the witness, Reyes was staying at his home last May and told his daughter about a drive-by shooting he was involved in.

“I know I hit that guy. I ran away when I saw police lights,” Reyes allegedly said, according to the witness, who made Reyes leave his home.

Reyes is being held on $1 million bond. The affidavit does not state if “Milby” and “Olguin” also face charges in connection to the case.