By Travis Uresk
2/12/25
| Gusher, Ut. | February 10th, 2025 |
Uintah County Deputies responded to a residence off Highway 40 in Gusher, Utah, on reports of shots fired toward an occupied vehicle.
When police arrived, the complainant/victim stated he had been in an argument with his neighbor, 51-year-old Fernando Cruz Ramirez, over a locked gate on a community property they share.
The victims told Sgt. Cottom that a vehicle was unable to leave the property because Fernando had locked the gate. The male victim stated that he and Fernando Co-own the property in which this altercation occurred. The Male victim stated that this was not the first time Fernando had made threats or indicated the presence of a firearm regarding arguments over the property.
When Fernando approached him, the victim said he cut the lock off the gate. A verbal argument ensued, which resulted in the gunfire.
The victim stated he returned to his vehicle after cutting the lock off the gate, where his spouse and 3-year-old child were seated. During the argument, Fernando allegedly produced a handgun, pointed it at the victim, and threatened to shoot or kill him because he cut the lock off the gate.
After Fernando fired a shot, the victim retrieved his handgun from the center console of the vehicle and discharged it into the ground from his driver's door window. The male victim stated he did not point his firearm at Fernando and intentionally fired into the ground, and both parties separated.
The victim stated he then drove through the gate toward the vehicle that was locked inside the property. Fernando shut the gate, stood there, and watched them. The female victim said once her husband called dispatch, Fernando moved from the gate toward his home, which allowed her to open the gate, allowing her and her family to leave the property.
The distance between the two homes is roughly 500 feet, and both properties use the same driveway off of Hwy40. The victim's home is closest to the highway, with Fernando's home directly north of it.
While on scene, Sgt Cottam took Fernando into custody without incident outside his residence. After being Mirandized and agreeing to answer questions, Fernando admitted to having a firearm during the altercation but denied firing any shots or displaying a firearm.
However, the adult victims stated Fernando had fired towards their vehicle while they were seated inside. Both victims stated the male victim discharged his firearm from his vehicle into the ground after Fernando had discharged his firearm toward their vehicle.
Two firearms were recovered - one from the victim and one from Fernando. Additionally, no bulletholes were found on the victim's vehicle.
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