Two plead guilty to assault, auto theft

By Neal Putnam

Two men pleaded guilty June 3 to felony assault and auto theft in connection with an assault involving the new boyfriend of one of the men’s ex-girlfriends.

Ricardo Daniel Macedo and Elias Ruiz, both 25, will be sentenced July 8 in El Cajon Superior Court. They remain free on $75,000 bond.

Deputy District Attorney Valerie Ryan said the 23-year-old victim was punched and beaten on Nov. 24, 2013, after he drove into Ramona from San Pasqual Valley. He testified in the preliminary hearing that he stopped at 2405 Main St. at 7:48 p.m. and was struck and his car stolen.

Ryan said the victim’s eye was bloodied, his nose displaced, and he suffered cuts and bruises along with a chipped tooth. He also missed some days at work.

Both men face a maximum sentence of 4 years and eight months in state prison, though probation has not been ruled out, said Ryan. She said the judge will consider alternatives to jail.

A carjacking charge was dismissed. Sheriff’s deputies found the car at Macedo’s home.