PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

December 1, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact Information: PolicePRUnit@slcgov.com

Media Request Form: https://police.slc.gov/mediarequest/

SLCPD Gang Detectives Arrest Suspect Wanted for Shooting Man

SALT LAKE CITY — Detectives assigned to the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Gang Unit have arrested a 19-year-old man who is accused of shooting a 20-year-old man during a fight.

This investigation began at 12:16 a.m. on Sunday, October 8, 2023, when SLC911 received information about a shooting that had just occurred near 923 South State Street.

As officers arrived, they found one man had been shot. Paramedics took the man to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

During the investigation, detectives learned Andre Ruiz attended a large party at 876 South Edison Street. A fight started inside the house and eventually continued outside.

While outside, Ruiz saw a man punch two of his friends. Ruiz pulled out a gun and shot the man in the leg. The man ran away from Ruiz, who continued shooting at the man. Ruiz eventually got into a car and left.

On Friday, December 1, 2023, with the assistance of the Salt Lake City Police Department SWAT Team, the Gang Unit executed a court-authorized search warrant on a residence as part of the investigation.

While executing the warrant Ruiz was safely taken into custody. Detectives also found a shell casing, fraudulent Utah Driver License, and disposable THC cartridges.

Ruiz is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to previous criminal convictions.

Detectives booked Ruiz into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on charges of aggravated assault resulting in serious bodily injury, one count of felony 1 discharge of a firearm, 3 counts of felony 3 discharge of a firearm, forgery, possession of a firearm by a restricted person, obstruction of justice, discharge of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance.

Charges are only allegations, and every arrested person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The Salt Lake City Police Department is not the custodian of record for jail booking photos. Utah Code 17-22-30 mostly prohibits the release of jail booking photos. Generally, a jail booking photo can only be released by the custodian of record after a conviction or when law enforcement determines the person is a fugitive or an imminent threat to a person or public safety. In Salt Lake City, the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office is the custodian of record for jail booking photos.

The Salt Lake City Police Department’s Gang Unit is responsible for investigating gang-related crimes that occur within the city’s jurisdiction. The unit consists of highly trained uniformed officers and detectives who work collaboratively with patrol divisions and other specialty squads within the SLCPD to gather information and focus on preventing gang and gun violence through education, prevention, and enforcement.

###