Canton Family Threatened With Pistol Over Air Conditioning: Cops

CANTON, GA — A Canton man was recently sentenced for aggravated assault and battery in two domestic violence incidents.

Theodore Louis Ramirez, 50, was sentenced on Oct. 31 for two separate incidents of aggravated assault. Both incidents involved individuals living in the family home in Canton.

The August 2018 incident started with a disagreement over the setting of the air conditioning thermostat and ended with Ramirez threatening members of his household with his pistol, then firing a shot within a foot of his son’s head. The shot ultimately went through the ceiling and roof.

After a three-day trial, a Cherokee County jury found Ramirez guilty on Sept. 18 of family violence aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

On Oct. 31, Judge David L. Cannon Jr. sentenced Ramirez to 10 years, with the first two years to be served in confinement. Conditions of probation include no contact with the four victims, banishment from Cherokee County, and treatment for anger management.

“Mr. Ramirez intimidated and threatened multiple members of his household by pointing a pistol at them. His actions were dangerous and could have resulted in a fatality or serious injury,” said Assistant District Attorney David Holmes, who prosecuted the case on behalf of the state.

During the sentencing hearing, Ramirez also entered a negotiated plea for a prior incident that occurred in March 2017. This charge was related to a physical altercation during which the defendant was charged with pushing and choking a member of the family. For this incident, Ramirez received a negotiated sentence of a year to serve for one count of battery.

“It’s disappointing to think that a man would handle family disagreements by threatening his loved ones in this manner,” said District Attorney Shannon Wallace. “This sentencing should provide peace of mind to the family while protecting them from this man’s violent behavior.”