Jimmy Friesenhahn, a 44-year-old Marine Corps veteran who served 14 years with deployments including Iraq, was working as a security guard at El Patio Sports Bar in San Antonio during the early hours of May 4. According to the New York Post, while on duty, Friesenhahn noticed a patron, 29-year-old Wilmer Vladmir Ortega Ruiz, with what appeared to be a handgun in his pocket. As Friesenhahn attempted to disarm him, a struggle ensued. Ortega Ruiz managed to gain control of the weapon and fired three shots at Friesenhahn—two struck his bulletproof vest, and one pierced his neck, causing a catastrophic spinal injury that left him paralyzed and unable to speak.
Friesenhahn was rushed to the hospital in critical condition and has since undergone six surgeries. His family reports that his prognosis remains uncertain and that he faces a long, difficult recovery. Friesenhahn is the father of a five-month-old daughter, and his family is now grappling with the emotional and financial toll of his life-altering injuries.
Wilmer Vladmir Ortega Ruiz, the alleged shooter, is an illegal immigrant with a history of repeated arrests and missed court appearances. His legal troubles began in October 2020, when he was first arrested for driving while intoxicated in San Antonio. He was released on a personal recognizance bond but failed to appear in court. The charge was later reduced to obstructing a passageway, to which he pleaded guilty, but he violated probation and was arrested again in August 2023. After posting a $1,500 bond, Ortega Ruiz again failed to appear in court. He was arrested a third time in September 2023, posted bond, and missed another court date. In November 2024, Ortega Ruiz was arrested for a fourth time and sentenced to time served. He was also involved in an assault investigation after his girlfriend accused him of physical violence, but he reportedly fled before police arrived.
Ortega Ruiz reportedly entered the U.S. illegally as a “got away,” and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) placed a detainer on him following the shooting.
As of now, Friesenhahn remains hospitalized in critical condition, facing a long road to recovery, while Ortega Ruiz is facing aggravated assault charges.
Friesenhahn’s family is outraged by what they view as repeated leniency by the Bexar County District Attorney’s office and the broader justice system. They argue that Ortega Ruiz should have faced stricter consequences for his prior offenses and that the current charge of aggravated assault is insufficient, insisting the case should be treated as attempted murder. The family also criticizes the $200,000 bond set for Ortega Ruiz, viewing it as inadequate given his history and the severity of the crime.
Friesenhahn’s brother-in-law, Emmanuel Martinez, emphasized that Jimmy’s actions may have prevented further violence inside the bar, stating that Jimmy’s bravery prevented potential harm to others, as there are accounts suggesting Ortega Ruiz might have intended to cause trouble inside.