Young Thug Concealed Weapons Case Dropped ... No DNA Evidence
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2:10 PM PT -- According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, cops were unable to find any DNA on the gun found in the same car YT was riding in. We're told because there were 3 people in the vehicle, investigators could not determine who the weapon belonged to, so YT will not face any charges.
The D.A.'s Office also cleared up details on the car accident that triggered the search. It was actually the police cruiser that was "unable to stop in time" before it hit Thug's Rolls-Royce.
Someone's gotta pay for what the D.A. deemed, "minor damage."
Young Thug's lawyer, Michael Goldstein, tells us, "I commend the District Attorney's Office for making the right decision after carefully reviewing the facts and body worn video over the past 9 months. The fact so much time and work went into this decision reinforces trust in our system of justice."
Young Thug will NOT be prosecuted in his L.A. gun case ... TMZ's learned the District Attorney is rejecting the case.
The D.A.'s Office tells us ... the case was rejected earlier this month due to insufficient evidence. YT's attorney, Michael Goldstein, confirmed to us the case is now closed. TMZ broke the story when cops busted Young Thug back in August -- a member of Thug's crew ran into a police car, which triggered a vehicle search. That's when cops discovered the weapons.
YT -- who was seen in handcuffs and escorted to a waiting cruiser -- was booked just after for carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle ... a felony. The bust came on the night he was celebrating the release of his new album, "Slime Language" and his 27th birthday.
So, the arrest was quite the double whammy ... but now it's water under Thug's bridge.
Originally Published -- 1:54 PM PT
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Toronto Raptors Parade Dramatic Video ... Six Cops Tackled Alleged Gunman
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Here is the moment several Toronto Police officers chased down, tackled and apprehended one of the suspected shooters at Monday's Toronto Raptors championship parade ... and it's intense.
The footage starts showing a man dressed in black trying to run -- but two bike cops grab the dude -- who appears to be holding a weapon ... and wrestle him to the ground.
#NEW Video sent by a viewer to CP24 shows the moment one of the suspects were taken down by Toronto Police and TTC Special Constables. Toronto Police now say 4 people were injured in the Raptors parade shooting and 3 were arrested. 2 weapons recovered. pic.twitter.com/om74oEBpp5
@KrisReports
Several cops in the area quickly realize what's going on and jump in on the action -- piling on top of the suspect while trying to neutralize the weapon.
At one point, one of the officers begins reigning down punches on the suspect.
You can hear some of the cops trying to clear the area -- screaming at people to "Get outta here!!!"
There's more footage that has surfaced from earlier in the parade -- in which you can clearly hear at least 4 gunshots pop off near crowds of people.
It's terrifying stuff.
Shots fired pic.twitter.com/0oiEVzH8PC
@baldderozan
Eventually, cops say 4 people suffered injuries in the shooting -- but all are expected to survive. 3 people have been arrested and 2 weapons have been recovered.
As for the Raptors, team announcer man Matt Devlin was credited with calming the crowd down after the gunshots were fired, telling the audience, "Please, stay calm."
For his part, Drake grabbed the microphone and told everyone in attendance to hug one another -- preaching love and unity.
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Toronto Raptors 4 People Shot at Parade ... Cops Arrest 3
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4:00 PM PT -- Cops now say there were 4 people who suffered gunshot wounds in the parade shooting.
They also say they've now arrested 3 people.
1:24 PM PT -- Police say they have arrested 2 suspects and recovered 2 guns after an alleged shooting at the Toronto Raptors championship parade Monday.
Cops also say two people are being treated for "serious" injuries -- but the injuries are not life-threatening. The investigation is ongoing.
The championship parade continued after the shooting -- with Drake taking the stage and telling the reported 1.5 MILLION people in the streets to hug each other and spread love.
The parade ended with no further violent incidents.
Scary moment at the Toronto Raptors championship parade in Canada ... where gunshots were reportedly fired in the crowd and cops are now responding.
The party came to a screeching halt just before 1 PM PT -- when people in the crowd heard what sounded like 4 gunshots.
ppl have been running from the back of the stage for some reason. hope everyone’s safe. #RaptorsParade pic.twitter.com/HRoeTZ4val
@GelekB
A woman was reportedly hurt and paramedics raced to the scene.
The Toronto Police Operations Centre put out a statement saying, "SHOOTING: Nathan Phillip's Square -Reports of woman shot -People running from area."
ETF on scene on Bay Street. pic.twitter.com/JrICv15rpH
@suntooz
You can see people fleeing on video. At one point, Raptors play-by-play announcer Matt Devlin grabbed the mic and told the crowd to stay strong and stay calm while officials respond to the "emergency."
People at the scene are being advised to "get down" or to find somewhere safe.
Originally Published -- 1:04 PM PT
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David Ortiz Honored By D.R. Basketball Team ... With Custom Jerseys
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A Dominican Republic hoops team showed MAJOR love for David Ortiz over the weekend ... ditching its normal set of unis for jerseys with Big Papi's face as the logo.
It all went down Sunday ... when Huellas del Siglo -- a local team in the D.R. -- rocked some bright orange gear that featured a picture of Ortiz tipping his Red Sox cap with the words "Big Papi" written underneath.
Of course, Ortiz was nearly killed last week when a man opened fire on his back outside of a nightclub in Santo Domingo.
But, fortunately for everyone, the MLB legend is doing better after surgery ... and Huellas del Siglo was so happy for the news, they broke out the custom jerseys against San Carlos.
"Today we pay homage to the living legend David Ortiz," the team said of the uniforms in Spanish ... "and we continue to pray for his total recovery."
Turns out, the new Papi duds were good luck ... Huellas del Siglo won their game, 83-81.
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Lil Xan Brings Gun to Photo Shoot ... Same Weapon From Gas Station Argument?!?
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The firearm that has Lil Xan under investigation currently by the LAPD ... looks very similar to a handgun he whipped out -- suddenly and unexpectedly -- during a photo shoot.
We've obtained behind the scenes images from the shoot Xan did back in January ... where he clearly brandishes the piece and showed it off to people on set.
Sources who were there tell TMZ ... the gun was NOT supposed to be part of the shoot, and Lil Xan just brought it with him and surprised everyone when he pulled it out. We're told everyone felt it was a real gun ... although he never said for sure.
We broke the story ... Lil Xan pulled a gun on a man at a gas station last week, and it looks almost identical to the one in the photos. The rapper's affinity for guns could get him in big trouble.
Cops are looking into the gas station incident as a possible case of assault with a deadly weapon -- a felony that could land him in prison if convicted ... however, Xan has not been arrested or booked for any crime. Yet.
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MLB's Marcell Ozuna On Big Papi Attack ... I Have To Watch My Back In D.R. Now
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Cardinals superstar Marcell Ozuna says he ain't scared to return to the D.R. after David Ortiz was shot Sunday ... but he tells TMZ Sports he will have to watch his back in his home country now.
"I'ma be careful," the 28-year-old Santo Domingo native admits.
Ortiz was sitting outside of a bar over the weekend when a man walked up from behind and shot him at point-blank range.
The attack stunned everybody ... and had Dominican natives like White Sox phenom Eloy Jimenez openly admitting he's now scared to go back home.
Ozuna tells us he's not ready to go that far with his feelings on the D.R. yet ... but says he will have to be on high alert when he's back home now.
"I'm not afraid," the outfielder says ... "But I'ma be careful."
As for Big Papi ... his wife, Tiffany, says he's continuing "to make progress" in his recovery from the shooting.
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David Ortiz Shooter Speaks Out From Cell ... He Wasn't My Target!
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The man who shot MLB legend David Ortiz issued a desperate statement from his jail cell Thursday -- admitting he pulled the trigger ... but claiming Big Papi was NOT the man he was trying to kill.
25-year-old Rolfi Ferreira Cruz peeked his face out through bars in the Dominican Republic to address the hoards of reporters crowded outside the jail ... and made the shocking comments.
"It wasn't supposed to be David," Rolfi said in Spanish from behind a barred window ... explaining it was the color of David's clothing that confused him.
You can also hear another man in the cell -- presumably another suspect in the case -- telling Rolfi in Spanish, "Tell them it wasn't meant for David."
Cruz did NOT reveal who the intended target was -- only suggesting he was sent to the Dial Bar on Sunday to kill another man who was dressed like Ortiz that night.
El imputado Rolfy Ferreras Cruz, indicado por las autoridades como la persona que disparó en contra del ex pelotero de Grandes Ligas; David Ortiz, dijo hoy que baleó por error al deportista. “Solo me dijeron el color de ropa” declaró Rolfi, desde la celda del destacamento PN. pic.twitter.com/5mrvlbUnrg
@informate809not
So far, at least 6 people have been arrested in the attempted murder plot -- and cops are still searching for other suspects ... including Luis Alfredo Rivas-Clase, who is also a suspect in a 2018 shooting in Pennsylvania.
Officials still have not revealed a possible motive for the attack.
Surveillance footage of the incident show 2 men -- including Cruz -- rolling up to the bar on a motorcycle. Cruz walks right up to Ortiz and shoots him in the back before trying to make a getaway.
The motorcycle crashed and the suspects tried to flee -- but one man was stopped and beaten by bystanders.
As for Ortiz ... his wife, Tiffany, says he's been able to sit up and take steps this week ... adding, "He continues to heal and make progress."
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David Ortiz Wife Thanks 'Hero' Who Saved MLB Star's Life
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David Ortiz's wife is shouting out the man who raced the MLB star to the hospital -- crashing his own car in the process -- in the wake of Sunday's assassination attempt in the Dominican Republic.
"I want to take this opportunity to offer our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Eliezer Salvador, owner of Presidente Sports, for your quick thinking and swift action on Sunday night," Tiffany Ortiz said in a statement.
"Your heroism and selflessness were the first steps to ensuring David could get the urgent care he required. For that we are eternally grateful."
Salvador runs a sports betting firm in the D.R. and was at the scene when Big Papi was shot Sunday night. When Ortiz went down, Salvador quickly put the legend in his own car and raced to the hospital because he didn't want to wait for an ambulance.
Salvador says he raced at speeds of over 100 MPH and made the trip in under 7 minutes. He later made a social media video showing that he had David's jewelry so the family wouldn't worry.
Tiffany says the quick-thinking decision may have saved David's life.
Ortiz's wife also gave props to the doctors who worked on David.
"To the amazing surgeons, medical team, and staff at the Abel Gonzalez Clinic in the Dominican Republic, there are no words to express our gratitude for the amazing care you provided."
'Without you, our story could have had a tragic ending. You will forever be our guardian angels."
As for David's condition ...
"David remains in guarded condition in the surgical intensive care following his second surgery. He continues to heal and make progress."
"David will continue to recover in the ICU and future updates on his condition will be provided when necessary."
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Wendy Williams I Knew My New Friend Has Record But, I Gotta Live My Life!!!
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Wendy Williams is having some carefree fun with that guy she met in L.A. -- and while she's aware of his criminal history, she adds ... it makes no difference because, "I'm not stupid!"
Wendy and the guy, Marc Tomblin, were all over NYC Tuesday doing some hardcore shopping, and yes ... even stopping by an ATM to make a withdrawal. The pics are kinda ironic, considering Tomblin has a record for armed robbery.
According to court records, Tomblin pled guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon in Charlotte back in 2013. Police say he was part of a group of 3 people who robbed a man at gunpoint. He was sentenced to 15-30 months -- none of which is a surprise to Wendy.
The talk show host tells TMZ ... Marc had already told her about his conviction, and her assistant also gave her a heads up. Wendy says her reaction is, "I am a 54-year-old grown ass woman. I know what I'm doing."
Wendy describes it as just good fun between friends, something she deserves.
After all, as she put it ... "Look, my husband had a full baby with a woman he was involved with for 15 years ... where I was cooped up only to be a show pony. Now, I'm living my life."
As for the pics of them at an ATM -- Wendy says she thought, "Oh my God, if cameras are there it will be, 'there she is giving him money.'"
TMZ broke the story, Wendy met Tomblin while she was partying with her pal, Blac Chyna. Wendy says she was jonesin' for barbecue potato chips and orange soda one night, and he knew where to score both.
She joked on social media she was old enough to be his mother -- but Tomblin was still by her side late Sunday night when she got emotional, talking about her family drama.
Wendy flew back to NYC Monday morning, with Marc in tow for "no strings attached fun." She adds, "He is lovely, but let me make it clear ... I don't have a boyfriend."
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Tim McGraw Screw Red or Blue in 2020 ... Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide!!!
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Tim McGraw is a strong believer in country over party ... not country music, but country U.S. of A.
We got the country singer leaving the ABC building Tuesday in NYC, and asked what it's like to be a notable Democrat among a predominantly Republican music genre. He tells us above all else ... he just loves being an American.
Tim doesn't offer any scorching hot political takes, but instead reminds folks the most important duty for U.S. citizens is to get out and vote ... and vote your conscience.
McGraw's known for going against the grain in the country music biz -- he's a gun control advocate and publicly supported Obama in the past -- so it's not too hard to read between the lines.
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Johnny Damon Praises Red Sox ... Thanks Team For Taking Care Of Big Papi
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Johnny Damon is putting his issues with the Red Sox aside ... and praising the hell out of the team for the way it's handled the David Ortiz situation, saying the Sox "did such a great job."
Of course, Damon's relationship with Boston's MLB team has been mostly nonexistent since his messy departure from Fenway back in 2005.
Damon and team owner John Henry had a very public feud ... and Johnny has even openly rooted for the Yankees when the two rivals have squared off over the past few years.
But, Damon went on "TMZ Live" on Tuesday and put all his beef with the Sox behind him ... thanking the team for doing "the right thing" and taking care of Big Papi after he was shot in the D.R. on Sunday.
"The Red Sox did such a great job at going down to the Dominican and bringing him back to some of the great hospitals and doctors we have up in Boston," Damon says.
"Thank you, Red Sox, for doing the right thing and getting him up in Boston and taking care of him."
Ortiz landed in Massachusetts on Monday night ... and after a second surgery to repair the damage that a bullet caused -- his wife, Tiffany Ortiz, says he's now "resting comfortably."
Johnny says it wouldn't surprise him to see Big Papi back near the baseball diamond as early as this fall ... saying, "I'm sure it's going to be during the playoffs."
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David Ortiz Honored With Moment Of Prayer ... At Red Sox Game
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"He is loved throughout our nation and beyond, yet to us, he is our own adopted son."
The Red Sox kicked off their game Monday with a touching moment for David Ortiz, with the PA announcer asking all 34,422 fans in attendance to stay quiet for a moment of silence for "Big Papi."
As we previously reported ... Ortiz nearly lost his life in a shooting in the Dominican Republic on Sunday night -- and it didn't take long for his MLB city to send up prayers.
"All of us were shocked by last night's news about David Ortiz," the Red Sox PA announcer said before their game against the Rangers ... "And, our community has felt a palpable concern ever since."
"Won't you please join us as we offer a moment of reflection, thought and prayer for a complete healing and a full recovery for our beloved 'Big Papi.'"
The fans at Fenway weren't the only ones tore up over the Papi situation ... Ortiz's ex-teammate and friend, Pedro Martinez, broke down during an appearance on MLB Network.
"I don't have enough words to describe who @davidortiz is, what David means to baseball..."
@MLBNetwork
An emotional message from @45PedroMartinez regarding his friend and former @RedSox teammate, David Ortiz. pic.twitter.com/ZqrY08Zs3i
Ortiz -- who underwent hours of surgery late Sunday night into Monday morning -- is expected to make a full recovery.
The future Hall of Famer is currently in Boston ... getting treatment for his injuries at Massachusetts General Hospital.
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David Ortiz Needed 2nd Surgery Now 'Resting Comfortably'
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David Ortiz underwent a SECOND surgery Monday night in Boston to repair injuries he suffered after being shot in the back on Sunday ... his wife, Tiffany Ortiz, announced.
But, she adds Big Papi is now doing fine and is "resting comfortably."
The MLB legend was nearly killed after a man opened fire on his back while he was outside of a nightclub in the Dominican Republic over the weekend.
Ortiz was rushed to the hospital ... and doctors say they had to remove his gallbladder in an attempt to repair damage to his liver and both of his small and large intestines.
But, Ortiz made it out of the surgery just fine ... and afterward, he was flown back to Boston for further evaluation.
While Ortiz's wife says David needed an additional procedure, she says her hubby is "stable, awake and resting comfortably this morning in the ICU where he is expected to remain for the next several days."
Tiffany thanked the Red Sox personally for everything they've done to help Ortiz ... and added, "I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of support and love that we have received during the incredibly difficult time."
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MLB's David Ortiz Arrives at Boston Hospital ... With Police Escort
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6/10 8:00 PM PT -- Ortiz is back in Boston and receiving treatment at the Massachusetts General Hospital ... this after taking a medical air ambulance back to the States.
A police escort led Ortiz's ambulance to the hospital.
Big Papi @davidortiz just arrived at Mass General Hospital for treatment after being shot. #WCVB pic.twitter.com/cplttNArfH
@ShaunWCVB
6/10 3:05 PM PT -- Officials in the Dominican Republic say they believe the man they have in custody was NOT the shooter, but rather the getaway driver.
The man accused of shooting Ortiz -- whose identity is still a mystery -- is still on the lam, according to officials.
6/10 2:37 PM PT -- David Ortiz has left the hospital in Santo Domingo and is en route to the airport to fly to Boston.
The flight, organized by the Boston Red Sox, is approximately 4 hours and doctors in the D.R. and in Boston have agreed that Ortiz is stable enough to make the journey.
David Ortiz in that ambulance. About to get placed on the plane back to Boston for care #David Ortiz #wvcb pic.twitter.com/T9XhMph6E0
@mariastephanos
6/10 1:08 PM PT -- David Ortiz's father, Leo Ortiz, is speaking with reporters in the D.R. -- saying he wants to thank the doctors for "saving my son's life."
Leo said David WILL be transported to Boston -- and explained that David's personal doctors and his wife live in Massachusetts.
David's doctor said the surgery was successful -- noting the bullet struck the liver, the small and large intestines. He says Ortiz's gall bladder was removed to make space to treat the affected organs.
6/10 12:36 PM PT -- Boston Red Sox management just addressed the media and said Ortiz's condition is still serious following Sunday night's shooting but he's stable enough to travel back to the United States.
In fact, the Red Sox have organized for a medical air ambulance to transport Ortiz from Santo Domingo to Boston ... and the goal is to fly him to the U.S. as early as Monday night.
As we previously reported, Ortiz was shot Sunday evening while sitting outside at a club in the Dominican Republic. The incident was captured on surveillance video.
The Red Sox have sent representatives to the Dominican Republic to help and team doctors are aiding in Ortiz's medical care.
Red Sox President and CEO Sam Kennedy told the media, "Our hope is that David will arrive in Boston sometime later tonight. Right now, the clubs exclusive focus is on David's health and well being."
"Please know that we are doing everything we can to support David and his family during this very difficult period."
Kennedy says he's been in touch with David's wife, Tiffany, who expressed gratitude for all the club is doing to help.
Kennedy says it's been an emotional time for him because he knows Ortiz so well -- and explained, "I love David Ortiz. We all love David Ortiz. Telling my kids what happened was really difficult."
6/10 10:38 AM PT -- The Boston Red Sox have sent a jet to the Dominican Republic. They are hoping to fly Ortiz back to the United States as soon as possible to receive medical care.
Ortiz's doctor in the D.R. has told ESPN the MLB legend is stable enough to fly.
6/10 9:07 AM PT -- Barack Obama has also sent a message to Ortiz ... saying, "Six years ago, David Ortiz's spirit and resolve helped us all begin to heal from the Boston Marathon bombing. Today, I want to join many others in wishing him a speedy recovery of his own. Get well soon, Papi."
6/10 8:50 AM PT -- Tom Brady just sent a message to Ortiz ... saying, "Papi defines Boston Strong... get well soon my friend!!!"
6/10 7:58 AM PT -- Cops say there are TWO suspects in the shooting, both young men ... who rolled up to the scene on the same motorcycle.
Cops say after the shooting, both men tried to get back on the bike and drive off ... but the bike fell down so they tried to make a run for it.
The first suspect, Eddy Vladimir Feliz Garcia, was subdued by people at the scene.
The second suspect did escape on foot. Cops have not released the name of the 2nd suspect. They are currently searching for him.
6/10 7:13 AM PT -- TMZ Sports talked to a spokesperson for the Dominican National Police who told us the suspect is in custody and awaiting charges.
The police also confirmed videos showing a man getting pummeled in the street following the shooting IS, IN FACT, THE SUSPECT.
Lil Xan Under Investigation ... For Assault with Deadly Weapon
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Lil Xan can claim he pulled a gun on a stranger in self-defense, but right now cops are looking at the incident as a possible case of assault with a deadly weapon.
Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... LAPD's elite Robbery-Homicide Division has taken over the investigation which could lead to a very serious felony. We're told when the alleged victim first went to police over his Friday night run-in with the rapper -- captured on video obtained by TMZ -- the officer filed a report for assault with a deadly weapon.
Although, Xan never fired ... it rises to assault with a deadly weapon if the alleged victim feared he might be shot.
In addition to cops seeing the video we posted, our sources say detectives are also looking to pull video from nearby businesses and high-rise residential buildings. There's also a restaurant across the street that may have surveillance vid of the full encounter. That could provide more context beyond our video, which starts when the argument is already in full swing.
We're told detectives want to speak with Lil Xan to get his side of the story. After that, cops could present their case to the D.A.'s Office ... OR get a warrant to arrest him.
TMZ broke the story ... the alleged victim called out Xan for calling Tupac's music "boring" last year. Things quickly escalated ... with Xan pulling a gun out multiple times, and pointing it at the man.
The 22-year-old rapper said he only pulled the gun because he thought he was about to be attacked.
If the D.A. doesn't see it that way, Xan could be charged with a felony that carries a max sentence of 4 years.
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White Sox's Eloy Jimenez Scared To Return To Dominican Republic ... After David Ortiz Shooting
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White Sox phenom Eloy Jimenez says he's downright afraid to return to the Dominican Republic after David Ortiz's shooting Sunday ... telling reporters, "Now, you cannot trust nobody there."
Eloy -- Chicago's star who grew up in the D.R. -- told a group of reporters at his locker Tuesday he couldn't believe it when he heard Big Papi was shot in the back in his home country.
In fact, Eloy says he's legitimately worried to return home now, saying, "When you see one of the best players -- one of the best Dominicans we had -- get shot like that, it's scary for everybody right now."
Eloy Jimenez on David Ortiz. pic.twitter.com/qZBhHwpG0E
@CST_soxvan
22-year-old Jimenez says he's grateful Ortiz survived the shooting ... and says the Red Sox legend has done a TON for kids growing up in the D.R.
"He does a lot for Dominicans," Eloy says ... "He represents a lot. And, for me, it's so sad."
As for Ortiz, doctors say he's out of surgery and is in stable condition ... and is currently on his way back to Boston for further treatment.