MCSO deputy succumbs to injuries after alleged attack by suspect in Avondale

AVONDALE, AZ — Maricopa County deputy Juan Miguel Ruiz has succumbed to his injuries after he was attacked by a suspect at one of MCSO's substations Saturday in Avondale, Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone said Monday.

Deputy Ruiz remained on life support since the attack and never regained consciousness, Sheriff Penzone said. Ruiz's family decided to donate his organs. He was with MCSO for nearly three years.

"Deputy Ruiz proudly served this community with courage and conviction," Penzone said in a tweet.

"His loss is a tragedy for our profession and our community. We stand strong with great appreciation for his service & pray for his family during this unimaginable sacrifice & loss," he said.

A procession was held Monday afternoon.

Clinton Robert Hurley, 30, was being processed at the substation near Van Buren Street and Dysart Road on felony warrants when he attacked and beat Deputy Ruiz until he was unconscious, Sheriff Penzone told reporters over the weekend.

Sheriff Penzone said Deputy Ruiz attempted to radio for help multiple times.

Other deputies found the injured deputy in a holding cell and immediately began to provide aid, Penzone said during a weekend press conference. The deputy was placed in a squad car and transported to the hospital.

MCSO said Hurley, the suspect, ran away from the substation and drove off in an MCSO vehicle. He later abandoned the MCSO vehicle and carjacked another driver, Penzone said.

Later, Hurley attempted to break into someone's home near 373rd Avenue and Buckeye Road in Tonopah, when the homeowner apparently shot him, MCSO said.

Tactical units located Hurley nearby with a gunshot wound and took him into custody. Hurley was taken to the hospital and is listed in critical condition, Penzone said.

MCSO said the suspect and the homeowner apparently know each other and had a history of not getting along. Officials did not elaborate.

Hurley was released in December 2020 from the Arizona Department of Corrections after serving six years for attempted molestation of a child, according to his online ADOC record.

RELATED: Suspect who attacked deputy tried to escape during earlier arrest

Officials said detectives were still looking for one of the vehicles Hurley reportedly stole on Saturday while fleeing from authorities. The vehicle is a 2016 Gray Kia Optima with a California license plate, 7TLD075.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office at 602-876-1011.

A VIGIL INTERRUPTED

The sound of gunshots interrupted a vigil Monday night for Ruiz.

ABC15's Zach Crenshaw reported hearing the sound of at least five gunshots, which sent several MCSO deputies running around the substation in search of potential suspects.

Avondale police say just after 7 p.m., officers responded to the area of a Sam's Club parking near Dysart Road and Van Buren Street for a report of shots fired made by witnesses attending the vigil.

The incident involved a "reported lawful transaction of goods for money gone bad," police said.

The victim said the suspect reportedly fired rounds in the air before leaving the area. The victim then fled to the MCSO substation for help.

Police say this was an isolated incident and unrelated to the vigil that took place at the same time as the incident.

Authorities have not been able to locate the suspect or the vehicle involved.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Avondale Police Department at (623) 333-7001.

No injuries were reported and no other details were provided.