Suspect Arrested after Shooting at First Responders

Joint Release Rowan County Sheriff's Office and Rowan County Emergency Services

Suspect Arrested after Shooting at First Responders

The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a shooting where a suspect fired shots at Fire and EMS personnel after they arrived on scene of an unconscious person in a vehicle.

This afternoon, at approximately 11:46 am, Rowan County emergency services, in coordination with Atwell Fire Department, responded to a call at the intersection of Shinn Farm Road and Highway 152 regarding an unresponsive driver, Miguel Angel Ramirez. Upon arrival, paramedics determined that Ramirez was likely impaired rather than suffering from a medical condition.

While awaiting the NC Highway Patrol, Ramirez brandished a handgun and fired a shot. In the ensuing chaos, one Rowan County paramedic sustained an arm injury from a fall while seeking cover. Ramirez then stole a fire department pickup truck, which he drove erratically. After colliding with another vehicle at the intersection of Hwy 152 and Unity Church Road, Ramirez drove off-road across a soybean field and into a nearby yard, where he was ultimately apprehended by deputies.

The stolen gun was recovered by a Rowan County Sheriff’s Office K9 in the soybean field. Ramirez sustained minor injuries from the crash, and the driver of the other vehicle was unharmed. The injured paramedic was treated and released from the hospital.

We are relieved to report that, despite the challenging circumstances, all personnel will return to their families without life-threatening injuries. This incident highlights the dedication and solidarity between all Rowan County emergency service personnel in ensuring each other's safety and effectively resolving the situation.