Update: Gang Member Arrested for Home Invasion

A Crystal Lake man and known gang member was arrested by Crystal Lake Police June 11 for offenses relating to two different incidents. 

Police had been looking for Jose A. Ramos, 38,  since May 21, when residents at 460 Buckingham Drive in Crystal Lake told police Ramos had threatened them during a verbal dispute by entering their apartment and displaying a handgun at about 9:20 p.m. 

At that time, Ramos was a resident at the apartment complex, and the victims told police they knew each other casually in that respect, speaking to each other occasionally from their respective balconies in the building. 

During such an exchange on May 21, it is believed Ramos felt disrespected by the 26-year-old female resident and went to her apartment shared by her 22-year-old husband, said Deputy Police Chief Eugene Lowery. 

Once inside the apartment, Ramos reportedly threatened bodily harm while displaying the handgun, which has not been recovered by police. 

No one was injured during the incident, Lowery said. However, the victims were so frightened of Ramos they have since broken their lease and left the area. 

"That's how people in a gang act out in such a violent manner when they terrorize someone," Lowery said. 

When police arrived Ramos had taken off. He remained under the radar until June 11 when police caught up with him at a local Crystal Lake hotel where he was staying. 

On that date police responded to a call of a battery in progress at about 7 p.m., Lowery said. 

A man and woman residing at the hotel told police Ramos had approached them as they were outside of their room and started an argument with the male. 

The male alleged Ramos removed his belt and struck him across the face with it, then choked him with his hands. 

Police arrested Ramos on the arrest warrant for home invasion and he has been charged with misdemeanor battery as a result of the incident at the hotel. 

Ramos was unable to post 10 percent of the $100,000 bond and was transported to McHenry County Jail. His bond hearing is scheduled for June 15. 

Lowery declined to comment on which gang Ramos belonged to but said he’s had numerous interactions with police. 

Court records at McHenry County Circuit Court indicate Ramos had been charged with numerous misdemeanor offenses since 2004. 

The Class X felony of home invasion carries a penalty of up to 30 years prison and/or a fine of up to $25,000.