Suspect in wrong-way I-25 chase near Los Lunas makes first court appearance

ISLETA PUEBLO, N.M. – A 33-year-old man made his first appearance in court after being arrested as a suspect in a wrong-way chase on I-25 near Los Lunas.

Jason Ramirez, 33, was arrested on five charges stemming from a pursuit early Monday that made its way onto I-25 near Los Lunas. Ramirez is accused of evading Bernalillo County deputies and Isleta police officers in a reportedly stolen red Hyundai the wrong way on I-25.

According to New Mexico State Police, everything started around 12:36 a.m. Monday when agents learned a Los Lunas police officer tried, to pull Ramirez over in a reportedly stolen, red Hyundai. Ramirez refused and drove off, onto northbound I-25, with Isleta police officers and Bernalillo County deputies picking up the pursuit from there.

Shortly thereafter, an Isleta police officer spotted the Hyundai traveling north on Broadway, approaching I-25. The officer tried to make a stop but Ramirez fled again and drove the wrong way on northbound I-25.

Ramirez approached two more Isleta police officers – one of who discharged their firearm toward the Hyundai,, leaving Ramirez reportedly uninjured. Ramirez continued and then exited I-25 at Isleta Boulevard, where BCSO deputies successfully deployed tire deflation devices. Still, his Hyundai continued and began traveling eastbound on Rio Bravo.

As Ramirez tried to get back onto northbound I-25, BCSO deputies pulled a PIT mover and stopped the vehicle. After the car came to rest, Ramirez led police on a short foot pursuit before he was taken into custody by BCSO.

State Police says Ramirez was reportedly taken to the hospital for injuries unrelated to the incident.

Ramirez was charged with two counts of aggravated assault upon a police officer – and a count each of aggravated assault upon a peace officer to commit a violent felony, aggravated fleeing a law enforcement officer, possession receiving or transferring a stolen motor vehicle and resisting/evading or obstructing an officer.

Three other passengers were also in the car – including 37-year-old Daniel Sanchez, of Los Lunas, who was arrested on an unrelated felony warrant. An unidentified female passenger and an unidentified male passenger were each detained and released.

No deputies or officers were injured during the incident.

Northbound I-25 reopened at milepost 213 following a closure that lasted around four-and-a-half hours and began just after 7 a.m. Monday.

This is a developing story. Stay with KOB.com and KOB 4 Eyewitness News for more updates.