Man Accused Of Attacking Deputy Released From Hospital

AVONDALE, AZ — The man accused of attacking Maricopa County Sheriff's Deputy Juan Ruiz was released from the hospital and is being held in Pinal County Jail, according to jail records.

Hurley is accused of beating Ruiz unconscious as the deputy attempted to put Hurley in a jail cell Saturday morning. Ruiz later died of his injuries. Hurley is also accused of taking Ruiz's police car and fleeing the area. Hurley later abandoned the police car and stole another vehicle, according to the Sheriff's Office.

A search for Hurley ended when he was found near a home at 373rd Avenue and Buckeye Road Saturday night. Hurley tried breaking into the victim's home just before he was shot, according to a report from ABC-15 in Phoenix.

Hurley was hospitalized in critical condition after he was found following the shooting. He and the homeowner have a "history" with each other, officials said.

Hurley was wanted for a probation violation for child molestation. Ruiz was removing Hurley's handcuffs to put him in a jail cell when Hurley started a fight, Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone said.

Ruiz, a three-year veteran of the sheriff's office, "never regained consciousness" after he was placed on life support following the attack, Penzone said.

The sheriff said Ruiz's family decided to donate his organs.