More than a year after being shot and left paralyzed, San Antonio veteran Jimmy Friesenhahn appeared in the 175th District Court on Tuesday to testify against the man accused of the attack.

Friesenhahn entered the courtroom in a wheelchair, accompanied by his sister and brother‑in‑law. He told KSAT he felt good and was ready to testify, then faced Wilmer Vladimir Ruiz Ortega, the defendant.

Trial evidence

The court presented surveillance video of the shooting for the first time. The footage shows Ruiz Ortega approaching Friesenhahn as he began a pat‑down, a brief struggle, and then gunshots fired.

Security guard credentials

Defense attorneys argued that Friesenhahn lacked legal authority to conduct a search and questioned whether he was actually employed as a security guard. Friesenhahn refuted those claims, explaining that the badge and uniform requirements apply only to Level 3 security licenses. He testified that he held a Level 4 license, which does not require a badge or uniform, and that he was licensed by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

He also confirmed that he was hired directly by El Patio Bar, not through a third‑party security firm, and that a sign at the bar’s entrance prohibited firearms inside the premises.

Emotions in the courtroom

After the video was shown, Friesenhahn was asked what he felt upon seeing Ruiz Ortega. He answered simply, “Anger.” The veteran’s testimony comes after more than a year of rehabilitation following the shooting that left him paralyzed.

Charges and potential penalties

Ruiz Ortega faces aggravated assault charges in the state case and is also subject to federal immigration proceedings, according to court records. If convicted, he could face up to life imprisonment.

The trial is expected to continue throughout the week, with the court and jurors closely reviewing the evidence presented.

Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.