Construction worker accused of severely beating 15-year-old girl who ignored his whistle.

Date published: 8/18/2005

By KEITH EPPS

A 15-year-old girl was severely beaten Tuesday evening in what police described as an unprovoked attack by a construction worker.

The girl was treated at Mary Washington Hospital, where she received about 30 stitches for injuries to her face and the back of her head, according to Robin Kocher, the new public information officer for the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office.

The girl also suffered a fractured bone on the right side of her face and a broken nose.

The suspect, 28-year-old Jose D. Ramirez of Prince William County, was charged with aggravated malicious wounding and abduction with the intent to defile. He was placed in the Rappahannock Regional Jail under no bond. Both charges carry potential life sentences.

Kocher said the incident occurred about 7:15 p.m. in the 200 block of Olde Greenwich Drive in Spotsylvania, near the Fredericksburg city limits. Ramirez, who police said is an illegal alien from El Salvador, was working on a townhouse there as part of a construction crew, Kocher said.

Police said he whistled at the girl as she walked by, then became enraged after the girl did not respond. Ramirez is accused of then running after the girl and pummeling her in the face and head, Kocher said.

According to authorities, the attacker then tried to drag the victim, fleeing into some woods only after a co-worker yelled for him to stop.

Fredericksburg police Officer Steve Johnson found Ramirez a short time later outside nearby 227 Farrell Lane, city police spokesman Jim Shelhorse said. Shelhorse said the suspect refused to comply with Johnson's demand to get on the ground, even though the officer had his gun drawn.

Other officers came to Johnson's aid and finally got Ramirez into custody with the help of a Taser. The city officer then turned the suspect over to Spotsylvania deputies, since the initial attack was in the county.

Police said the girl did nothing to provoke the attack and they aren't sure what triggered the suspect's action.

Prior to being taken to jail, Ramirez gave a statement to Spotsylvania detectives at the scene of the attack.

Ramirez reportedly has been traveling around the state doing work for various construction companies, Kocher said.

To reach KEITH EPPS:540/374-5404kepps@freelancestar.com

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Date published: 8/18/2005