A husband and wife are now behind bars after police say they opened fire outside a Memphis restaurant, striking a bystander in the head and exchanging gunfire with a security guard who had escorted them out for unruly behavior.
Jose Montoya, 27, and Judith Ramirez, 26, face multiple felony charges, including criminal attempt first-degree murder, vandalism between $10,000 and $60,000, and employing a firearm with intent to commit a felony.
The violent incident occurred on June 15 at Tequila Town Bar, located at 717 North Whitestation Road. Officers were dispatched to the scene after reports of an aggravated assault involving gunfire.
According to police, the restaurant’s owner alerted security to a man acting “irate” inside the establishment. When a security guard attempted to de-escalate the situation, the man reportedly became increasingly aggressive. The couple was subsequently escorted out of the restaurant, according to WREG News.
Police say that upon exiting, Montoya issued a chilling threat: “Y’all done f**** up now.”* He then allegedly retrieved a firearm from his vehicle—a gray 2025 Kia Sportage—and began shooting at the security guard.
The guard returned fire in self-defense, but during the exchange, Montoya allegedly reloaded his weapon multiple times and continued firing. Amid the chaos, a bystander woman was shot in the back of the head. She was rushed to Regional One Hospital in critical condition. Several parked vehicles in the lot were also struck by bullets.
Following the shooting, Montoya and Ramirez fled the scene in their Kia. Investigators later located the vehicle at a residence near the airport area. Inside the car, police discovered multiple spent bullet casings. A black and green handgun, believed to be the weapon used in the shooting, was found on the bed of a 2022 Ram pickup truck on the same property.
Montoya and Ramirez were both found inside the home and taken into custody without incident. During questioning at the Violent Crime Unit, police say Ramirez gave inconsistent statements, while Montoya refused to speak with investigators. A search warrant executed at the residence turned up additional evidence linking the couple to the shooting.
Video surveillance footage reviewed by detectives confirmed the couple’s involvement. Both Montoya and Ramirez have been formally charged and remain in custody. Montoya’s bond has been set at $250,000, while Ramirez’s bond stands at $300,000. They are scheduled to appear in court Monday morning. Tequila Town Bar declined to comment when contacted by WREG regarding the incident.