Anaheim Mourns the Loss of Salvador Ramirez, Beloved Security Guard Killed in Tragic Bar Shooting
ANAHEIM, CA — June 24, 2025 — The city of Anaheim is in mourning following the devastating loss of 48-year-old Salvador Ramirez, a devoted security guard, father, and friend, who was shot and killed while on duty outside a local bar on the evening of Saturday, June 22, 2025. The shooting occurred outside 99 Bottles & Cocktails, located at 8901 Katella Avenue, and has left the community shocked, grieving, and demanding justice.
According to the Anaheim Police Department, the incident unfolded shortly before 11:30 p.m., when an altercation broke out in the parking lot of the bar. Ramirez, known for his calm demeanor and dedication to keeping patrons safe, attempted to de-escalate the situation when an unidentified suspect pulled a firearm and opened fire, striking Ramirez multiple times. Despite the efforts of emergency responders, Ramirez was pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspect fled the area immediately after the shooting. Police say surveillance footage has provided investigators with key leads, and the Anaheim Police Homicide Unit is currently conducting a full investigation. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the suspect or the incident to contact Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online.
The tragic loss of Salvador Ramirez has sent shockwaves through Anaheim’s tight-knit security and hospitality community. For over two decades, Ramirez worked tirelessly to protect local establishments, never seeking recognition but always commanding respect. Known affectionately by many as “Sal,” he was a fixture at 99 Bottles & Cocktails, where patrons knew him for his friendly smile, his patience, and his unwavering professionalism.
“Sal was more than a security guard—he was family,” said one bar employee, visibly emotional. “He took care of everyone, even the people who didn’t realize they needed taking care of. He had a heart of gold.”
Friends and family describe Ramirez as a devoted father of three and a loving husband who worked long hours to support his family. He was also active in his church and frequently volunteered at neighborhood events, always willing to lend a hand where needed. His colleagues say he approached every shift with a sense of duty and purpose, never treating it as just a job.
“Sal was one of the good ones,” said a fellow security officer who had worked alongside him for years. “He defused fights with words, not force. He believed in treating people with dignity, even when they didn’t show him the same.”
The bar where the incident took place remained closed in the aftermath of the tragedy, as employees and patrons came by to place flowers, candles, and handwritten notes in a makeshift memorial outside the front doors. A large framed photo of Salvador, smiling in his uniform, sits at the center of the vigil, surrounded by flickering candles and messages of love.
Anaheim Police Chief Rick Armendariz issued a statement offering condolences to Ramirez’s family and reaffirming the department’s commitment to pursuing justice:
“This senseless act of violence has robbed a family of a loving father and a community of a true public servant. We will not rest until the person responsible is held accountable.”
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched by Ramirez’s family to help cover funeral expenses and provide support for his children, who are now facing life without their father. The fundraiser has already drawn hundreds of donations from across Orange County and beyond, with messages pouring in remembering Sal as a hero, a friend, and a man of peace.
A public memorial service is being planned for the weekend, where family, friends, coworkers, and community members will gather to honor the life and legacy of Salvador Ramirez. The service will include a candlelight tribute, remarks from loved ones, and a moment of silence to reflect on a life taken far too soon.
As Anaheim continues to mourn, the tragedy of Salvador Ramirez’s death serves as a somber reminder of the risks that security and frontline workers face every day. He stood between danger and safety — and in doing so, paid the ultimate price.
Salvador Ramirez will be remembered not just for how he died, but for how he lived: with courage, humility, kindness, and unwavering dedication to others.
Rest in peace, Sal. Your watch has ended, but your legacy lives on.