Santa Rosa gang member takes plea deal in Prince Memorial Greenway shooting

A 17-year-old Santa Rosa gang member who shot an alleged rival on the Prince Memorial Greenway late last year reached a plea bargain Friday to serve 10 years in prison.

Austin Ramirez initially was charged with attempted murder for firing on two boys, ages 14 and 16, on Dec. 23 at the Greenway’s Santa Rosa Avenue entrance.

The 14-year-old suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Under an agreement with prosecutors, Ramirez pleaded no contest to assault with a deadly weapon, admitting enhancements for using a firearm and being in a gang.

He also pleaded no contest to a separate assault charge for a gang fight while in juvenile hall, his lawyer said. He received two years, to be served concurrent to the longer term.

He will be sentenced by Judge Robert LaForge on Sept. 14.

Police said Ramirez, a sureño gang member, approached the two suspected norteños and shouted gang slogans. The alleged rivals were drinking alcohol near the Greenway at the time.

At some point, Ramirez pulled a gun from his waistband and fired, hitting the 14-year-old twice, police said.

Ramirez, who fled with an accomplice, was arrested about a month later.

You can reach Staff Writer Paul Payne at 568-5312 or paul.payne@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @ppayne.