Racine father and son charged in June 2024 bar shooting
Benjamin and Santiago Rios, a father and son from Racine, have been charged in connection with a shooting outside Double Vision Bar in June 2024. Benjamin faces multiple felony charges, including possession of a firearm and reckless endangerment, while Santiago is charged with illegal firearm possession. No injuries were reported, but the incident caused property damage. Both remain in custody as the investigation continues.
A Racine father and son have been charged in connection with a June 2024 shooting near Double Vision Bar, according to criminal complaints from the Racine County District Attorney's Office.
Benjamin Rios and Santiago Rios charged with multiple feloniesBenjamin L. Rios, 21, and his father, Santiago B. Rios , 45, both of Racine, are accused of being involved in a June 14, 2024, shooting outside the popular Double Vision Bar on Douglas Avenue. The shooting , which investigators believe stemmed from a conflict between Santiago and a man identified as LG, a former gang member, led to multiple felony charges.
Video footage from the bar's security system, along with text messages and phone data, played a critical role in the investigation, according to the criminal complaint.
Details of the Racine shooting incidentBenjamin Rios faces five felony charges, including:
Police allege that Benjamin Rios fired several shots from a vehicle at LG and another person after a verbal altercation. The gunfire caused damage to nearby properties, including a residence and a business. Thankfully, no one was injured during the shooting.
After a brief foot pursuit, Benjamin was arrested on June 27, 2024. During the investigation, police discovered messages on his phone referencing the shooting and photos of Benjamin wearing clothes matching those of the shooter caught on surveillance video.
Santiago Rios charged with firearm possessionSantiago Rios, who has a prior felony record, was arrested after police executed a search warrant at his home. During the search, investigators found multiple firearms, including a .40-caliber handgun, in Santiago's vehicle. As a convicted felon, Santiago is prohibited from owning firearms. He now faces felony charges for illegal possession of a firearm.
Both Benjamin and Santiago Rios remain in custody. Their next court appearance is scheduled for October 16, 2024.
Police investigation and evidenceThe shooting occurred outside Double Vision Bar, located at 3101 Douglas Ave., Racine. Racine's audio detection system alerted authorities to the sound of gunshots at around 1:30 a.m. Although initial witnesses at the scene did not report seeing or hearing anything, later video footage and physical evidence linked the Rios family to the incident.
Potential penaltiesIf convicted, Benjamin Rios faces up to 10 years in prison for firearm possession as an adjudicated delinquent, in addition to other penalties related to the shooting. Santiago Rios could also face significant prison time if convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
What's nextThe investigation remains ongoing, and the Racine community continues to follow the case closely as new developments emerge. Both Benjamin and Santiago Rios are currently held in custody.
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