Cassia Authorities Charge Man with Attempted Murder

BURLEY, Idaho (KLIX)-Cassia County authorities have charged a man with several felonies including attempted murder for an assault on a woman at the port of entry rest area late last week. According to court documents, Michael Ramsey, 39, is facing one count of attempted murder, battery with the intent to commit a serious felony, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, drug trafficking in methamphetamine, and use or possession of drug paraphernalia. The charges stem from an early morning call on Feb. 10, at the Cotterel Port of Entry for a report of a woman who had been strangled at around 2 a.m. A Cassia County Sheriff's deputy said he had arrived to find a woman that had was bleeding inside a car parked at the rest area and found evidence of a struggle. The woman claimed she had been headed to Idaho from Utah and started having car problems. She claims she was contacted by Ramsey who told her he'd meet her there however, she told him no and would meet him in Twin Falls. The woman told the officer she was afraid of Ramsey. Ramsey allegedly showed up in a pickup truck with another woman inside. He got out and allegedly began hitting the victim inside her car and started to strangle her. At one point the woman claims she nearly blacked out but, was able to get away then ran towards some parked semi-trucks and began banging on the doors for help. Court records say Ramsey took off in his pickup while the woman was able to make it back to her car and call 911. While she was waiting she noticed Ramsey had left his cell phone behind and was able to unlock it and found a text conversation about her that made threats on her life. An Idaho State Police trooper located Ramsey in Jerome County and arrested him. Allegedly a handgun, suspected methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia were found in his pickup. He has a prior conviction in 2018 for aggravated battery.