Carjacking suspect pleads not guilty

A man accused of carjacking the vehicle of his ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend in Ramona pleaded not guilty to a felony on Monday.

Ricardo Macedo remains free on $75,000 bail. A judge ordered him to stay away from the victim, who does not live in San Diego County, according to Deputy District Attorney Ronald Mendes.

Macedo and an unknown companion followed the victim in his vehicle from San Pasqual Valley to Ramona on Nov. 24, eventually stopping in the 2400 block of Main Street, according to San Diego County sheriff’s Sgt. John Boyce.

Once stopped, Macedo allegedly confronted the man about his relationship with the ex-girlfriend.

Macedo and his friend punched and kicked the victim in the face, Boyce said in a statement last week.

Macedo, 25, then allegedly fled in the victim’s vehicle while his friend drove off in Macedo’s vehicle.

According to Boyce, shortly before the alleged attack occurred the victim told a San Diego police officer who was working at a road closure on Highway 78 in San Pasqual Valley that someone was following him.

The officer spoke to Macedo, determined no crime was committed and released him. Deputies investigating the carjacking later contacted San Diego police and got Macedo’s address.

“They drove to the residence and located Macedo, who admitted he had ‘snapped’ because he was jealous the victim was dating his ex- girlfriend,” Boyce said. “(He also) admitted to assaulting the victim and stealing his car.”

Macedo refused to identify his companion.

A readiness conference is scheduled Dec. 27 and a preliminary hearing set for Jan. 22.