Crime & Safety
Shots Fired Near Vigil For Slain Maricopa County Deputy: Report
Gunshots rang out Monday night near a vigil for Deputy Juan Ruiz who was killed in the line of duty. The shooting is under investigation.
PHOENIX, AZ — Gunshots were fired Monday evening near a vigil for a Maricopa County deputy killed in the line of duty.
According to video posted by News 12, a reporter was in the middle of an interview near the vigil for slain deputy, Juan Ruiz, when the shots rang out.
"Is that gunshots?" one person off-camera asks.
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"Where is that coming from?" another persons asks.
Police told multiple news outlets that the shooting was not directed at people who attended the vigil, and no one was injured.
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ABC 15 Reporter Zach Crenshaw tweeted that one person, who was detained, told law enforcement that people in a car shot at him.
It was not immediately known what led up to the shooting near the vigil or if law enforcement officials have charged anyone.
The shooting remains under investigation.
#BREAKING shots were just fired outside the MCSO Avondale substation, where a vigil was being held for slain deputy Ruiz. Unclear who was target or if someone was shot. Deputies took off towards the 5 plus shots. Made one arrest. They believe another shooter is out there. pic.twitter.com/mqjGhS6Qof
— Zach Crenshaw (@ZachCrenshaw) October 12, 2021
Monday's vigil took place at the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office substation in Avondale to honor Deputy Juan Ruiz. Authorities said Ruiz, a three-year veteran of the sheriff's office, was beaten unconscious by Clinton Robert Hurley as he was putting him into a holding cell Saturday.
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, authorities said.
“He succumbed to the injuries sustained on Saturday at the hands of a violent predator," Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone said in a statement. "Deputy Ruiz proudly served this community with courage and conviction. His loss is a tragedy for our profession and our community. We stand strong with great appreciation for his service and pray for his family during this unimaginable sacrifice and loss."
Penzone said his office is "committed to pursuing justice for Deputy Ruiz to the fullest extent of the law."
"Nothing less is acceptable," the sheriff said.
The sheriff said Ruiz's family has decided to donate his organs.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
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