Travis County Sheriff's Office, Texas
End of Watch: Thursday, February 15, 2001
Age: 36
Tour of Duty: 12 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: February 15, 2001
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Deputy Sheriff Keith Ruiz was shot and killed as he and other SWAT team members were attempting to serve a narcotics warrant.
Deputy Ruiz's unit was working with the Capital Area Narcotics Task Force. As the officers attempted to enter the mobile home, they identified themselves and the suspect immediately opened fire, striking Deputy Ruiz in the chest between two panels on his vest. Another deputy returned fire wounding the suspect in the hand. Deputy Ruiz was flown to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
The suspect was charged with capital murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Deputy Ruiz had served with the Travis County Sheriff's Department for 12 years. He is survived by his wife and three sons.