CoxHealth Department of Public Safety, Missouri
End of Watch: Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Age: 62
Tour of Duty: 15 years
Badge Number: 420
Cause of Death: Assault
Date of Incident: August 2, 2008
Weapon Used: Person
Suspect Info: Charged with murder
Officer Monte Ruby succumbed to an injury sustained four days earlier when he was assaulted by a prisoner who was receiving medical aid at Cox North Hospital in Springfield.
The prisoner had been taken to the hospital for treatment from dog bites sustained during his arrest earlier in the evening. While in the emergency room, he became combative and kicked Officer Ruby in the neck. Despite his injury, Officer Ruby and a Springfield police officer were able to subdue the suspect.
Officer Ruby collapsed moments later and was immediately treated for a neck and spine injury caused by the kick. He succumbed to the injury four days later.
The prisoner was convicted of Officer Ruby's murder and sentenced to life plus 7 years for assault to be served consecutively.
Officer Ruby had served with the CoxHealth Department of Public Safety for 15 years and held a commission through the Greene County Sheriff's Department. He had previously served as a reserve officer with the Springfield Police Department.
The officer is survived by his wife and children.