The LAPD has released the name of the suspect booked in connection with the assault on Giants fan Bryan Stow at Dodger Stadium on Opening Day, and it is 31-year-old Giovanni Ramirez. Ramirez was booked for assault with a deadly weapon and is being held on $1 million bail.
According to the LA Times, Ramirez was convicted of attempted robbery in 1998, robbery in 1999, and firing a weapon in a public place in 2005.
Amazingly enough, the most helpful tip in the investigation came from a parole officer. Ramirez apparently had a meeting with his officer shortly after the attack and the officer noticed he resembled one of the men from the sketch.
Ramirez was arrested Sunday when detectives and the SWAT team raided an apartment building in East Hollywood. Of the two men in the sketch, he is the one on the left and believed to be the primary aggressor in the attack. When he was booked, he was described as being 5’11” 200 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.
As for the victim, Bryan Stow’s condition has improved and last week it was reported he had opened his eyes. He was transported to San Francisco General Hospital last week to be closer to his family and he remains in critical condition. Amongst his visitors while he was in LA was former Giants legend Barry Bonds.
Though we initially attributed the beating to the actions of two savage fans, the Dodgers eventually reacted by beefing up security around the stadium to try and restore the family-friendly environment it once had. Attendance at Dodger games has dropped for several reasons, but it’s hard to argue the stadium doesn’t feel more secure.
Here is the information released regarding Giovanni Ramirez after he was booked:
