SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — Former Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz was ambushed by a man who got off a motorcycle and shot him in the back at nearly point-blank range Sunday night in his native Dominican Republic, authorities said.
Dominican National Police Director Ney Aldrin Bautista Almonte said Ortiz was at the Dial Bar and Lounge in Santo Domingo around 8:50 p.m. when the gunman approached from behind and shot him. Ortiz was taken to a medical facility where he underwent surgery, and his condition was stable, Bautista said.
The gunman was captured and beaten by a crowd of people at the bar, Bautista said. He said police are waiting until the man undergoes treatment for his injuries before questioning him.
Investigators are trying to determine whether Ortiz was the intended target, Bautista said.
Two other people were wounded, Bautista said, including Jhoel López, a Dominican TV host who was with Ortiz. Bautista said police believe López was wounded by the same bullet.
Democratic effort to block Biden weapons sale to Israel gains momentum: ‘Congress must step up’
‘Absolute lawlessness’: GOP blasts Pa. Dems’ recount effort in Casey Senate loss
Trump Announces He’s Going All-In on Mass Deportation Effort: National Emergency Declaration and Military Involvement in the Works
‘She Knew Exactly What She Was Doing’: Trump Wants Iowa Pollster Investigated After Huge Election Miss
UNESCO sends assessors to protected historic site in Ukraine hit by strikes
Team Trump rips Scott Pelley’s Cabinet attack on ’60 Minutes’
A Whole New World: Disney Actress Actually Apologizes for Anti-Trump Rant, But Is It Just ‘Damage Control’?
Biden’s Parting Gift to Trump: Major Escalation in Ukraine Inching Us Closer to War With Russia
Camping murder suspect claimed dog led to tent killing: docs
‘No longer the party of Obama’: Democrats search for answers as standard-bearer’s influence wanes
Size of slim Republican House majority hangs on 5 uncalled races
Prosecution to show Laken Riley ‘fought’ for her life against illegal immigrant suspect and more top headlines
Fetterman calls out ‘UN’s rank, pervasive antisemitism,’ says he looks forward to confirming Elise Stefanik
Trump’s choice for FCC chairman says agency ‘will end its promotion of DEI’ next year
Pentagon bracing for sweeping changes after Trump nominates Pete Hegseth for secretary
López was shot in the leg and his injuries were not life-threatening, said his wife, Liza Blanco, who is also a TV host.
Police did not identify the third person or detail that person’s injuries.
The Dial Bar and Lounge is located in eastern Santo Domingo on Venezuela Avenue, a bustling nightlife district packed with dance clubs and pricey bars that Ortiz is known to frequent. Ortiz, who lives at least part of the year in the Dominican, is often seen getting his cars washed and hanging out with friends including other baseball players, artists and entertainers.
Ortiz’s father, Leo, said authorities informed him about the shooting but didn’t provide details.
“They called to tell me that David is injured and that they took him to a medical center, but they did not tell me how he is or exactly where he was transferred,” Leo Ortiz told ESPN.com.
The 43-year-old Ortiz hit 541 homers in 20 major league seasons, including 14 with the Red Sox. He helped lead Boston to three World Series titles and retired after the 2016 season. He was a 10-time All-Star and two-time World Series MVP, in 2004 and 2013.
Story cited here.
