Former Red Sox slugger David Ortiz ambushed by gunman in Dominican Republic

David Ortiz

Former Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz was hospitalized on Monday following surgery for a gunshot wound after being ambushed by a man in a bar in his native Dominican Republic, police said.

Dominican National Police Director Ney Aldrin Bautista Almonte said Ortiz was at the Dial Bar and Lounge in Santo Domingo around 8:50 p.m. local time Sunday when a gunman approached from behind and shot him at close range. Ortiz was taken to the Abel Gonzalez clinic, where he underwent surgery, and his condition was stable, Bautista said.

Ortiz’s father, Leo, speaking to reporters outside the clinic, said his son was out of danger and there wasn’t any collateral damage, meaning no damage to major organs. He said he had no idea why someone would have shot at his son.

“He is out of surgery and stable; he is resting,” Leo Ortiz said. “Big Papi will be around for a long time.”

The alleged gunman was captured and beaten by a crowd of people at the bar, Bautista said. He said police are waiting until the man undergoes treatment for his injuries before questioning him.

Investigators are trying to determine whether Ortiz was the intended target.

Two other people were wounded, Bautista said, including Joel Lopez, a Dominican TV host who was with Ortiz.

Bautista said police believe Lopez was wounded by the same bullet.

Police did not identify the third person or detail that person’s injuries.

The 43-year-old Ortiz hit 541 homers in 20 major league seasons, including 14 with the Red Sox. He helped lead Boston to three World Series titles and retired after the 2016 season. He was a 10-time All-Star and World Series MVP in 2013.

#Boston Red Sox #David Ortiz# Shot# Gun# Abel Gonzalez clinic# Dominican TV