El Paso personal trainer behind bars after 5-hour standoff with police Monday night

A local personal trainer is being held at the Downtown jail after a 5-hour standoff with police.

Late Monday evening, The U.S. Marshals’ Lone Star Fugitive Task Force tried arresting 48-year-old Benjamin Ritter, wanted on outstanding felony warrants of Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity/Aggravated Robbery, and Unlawful Restraint. Ritter was included on the most wanted list a few weeks ago stemming from a robbery case back in April on the 1200 block of East Wyoming.

Police had already arrested three other suspects in connection with the April robbery case. 30-year old Jessica Erwin, 29-year old Alfredo Alvarado and 35-year old Kimberly Nicole Peterson had all been previously booked under the same charges that Ritter faces. Each of them were jailed on a $75,000 bond.

(Alfredo Alvarado, Jessica Erwin, and Kimberly Nicole Peterson)

Police said Ritter barricaded himself inside his apartment on the 5600 block of Carousel Drive around 7 p.m. Monday.

Police, assisting the U.S. Marshals, called in the SWAT team because they believed Ritter was armed. Ritter surrendered peacefully just before midnight. He was also jailed on a $75,000 bond.

Ritter had a segment on the KLAQ Morning Show called “Getting Fitter with Benjamin Ritter.” He has also made guest appearances on ABC-7 at noon.