SAN ANTONIO – More than a year after Jimmy Friesenhahn was shot and left paralyzed, the veteran sat in a courtroom Tuesday and faced the man accused of changing his life.
Friesenhahn was brought into the 175th District Court in a wheelchair, accompanied by his sister and brother-in-law. As he entered, he quietly told KSAT he felt good and was ready to testify.
Then he saw Wilmer Vladimir Ruiz Ortega.
Friesenhahn kept his eyes on Ruiz Ortega as he sat in the courtroom.
Ruiz Ortega is accused of shooting Friesenhahn while he was working security at El Patio Bar on the West Side off Frio City Road.
For the first time during the trial, the court and jurors also saw surveillance video of the shooting.
The video shows Ruiz Ortega approaching Friesenhahn before Friesenhahn begins a pat-down. A struggle follows, and gunshots are fired.
The defense has argued that Friesenhahn had no legal authority to search Ruiz Ortega and questioned whether he was actually working as a security guard.
During testimony, Frisenhahn disputed that characterization.
An attorney asked Frisenhahn whether security guards are required to wear a badge and uniform and identify themselves as security officers.
Friesenhahn said those requirements applied to a Level 3 license. He testified that he was working under a Level 4 license and did not have those same requirements.
Friesenhahn also testified that he was licensed by the Texas Department of Public Safety to work as a security guard and that he was hired directly by the bar rather than through a security company.
A sign on the bar’s entrance also stated that firearms were not allowed inside.
After the surveillance video was shown in court, Friesenhahn spoke with KSAT about seeing the man accused of shooting him.
Asked what he felt when he saw Ruiz Ortega, Friesenhahn answered with one word:
“Anger.”
The testimony comes after more than a year of recovery for Friesenhahn, who was left paralyzed by the shooting.
The trial is expected to continue throughout the week.
Ruiz Ortega faces aggravated assault charges in the case. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
He also faces federal immigration proceedings, according to court records.
If convicted of the charges, Ruiz Ortega could face up to life in prison.
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