Missing and Wanted: Violent Sex Offender Wanted for Failure to Register

Joseph Ricardo Ramirez is wanted by the San Diego Fugitive Task for failing to register as a sex offender and violation of state parole. 

Two felony arrest warrants have been issued on the 34-year-old Ramirez, aka Ricardo Ayala. He has a criminal history of sexual battery, burglary, possession of stolen property, auto theft, felony domestic violence, and narcotic related offenses. He is also wanted for felony vandalism.

Authorities believe Ramirez is hotel hopping in North County, and say he is known to frequent Vista. 

Ramirez is described as 5-feet 8-inches tall and about 180 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He has numerous tattoos, including tribal style tattoos across his chest, "Puerto Rico" on his right arm, and "Millie" on his left arm. 

Authorities warn the public not to approach or try to apprehend Ramirez. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Sheriff's Department or CrimeStoppers:

—San Diego County Sheriff's Department at 858-565-5200
—Tipsters can remain anonymous by calling CrimeStoppers at 888-580-8477
—Tips can also be submitted to CrimeStoppers through an online form
—Call 911 if there is an emergency situation

About this series:

Scores of cases throughout San Diego County go unsolved by local law enforcement investigators each year. A teen thought to be a runaway has still not come home. A dangerous parolee goes missing. A parent in a custody dispute kidnaps the children. A family member who is homeless and mentally ill disappears off the street. A loved one is murdered and there are few clues or no suspect.

No matter what the circumstances, police and relatives continue to search for those who are missing and wanted. They want the son, sister, or husband home. They want justice for the victims of crimes. They want the bad guys behind bars.

Each day in October, our Patch sites will feature a different person who is missing and wanted in San Diego County. Look at their pictures. Have you seen them? Do you have information that might help them be located, or identify a suspect?

Each profile will have a phone number for you to call to provide information. Let’s help investigators close these cases!