Victim Fights Off Robbery Suspect In West Mesa
December 10, 2007
On Sunday, December 9, 2007 at 5:58 p.m., victim Ana Sanchez
called 911 to report that a suspect, later identified as
Jon-Michael Anthony Ruiz, had just robbed her in a west Mesa
neighborhood at Brooks and Main Street.
Sanchez was walking down Main Street in the area of Brooks and
Main Street with a male friend when she noticed the suspect,
another male later identified as Criston Ruiz, and an
unidentified female walking in front of them. At one point
Criston and the unidentified female walked to a convenience
store located at Longmore and Main Street. Jon-Michael stayed
behind and made verbal contact with Sanchez and her friend. The
suspect asked Sanchez for money and cigarettes. Sanchez asked
the suspect to leave her alone.
At that point investigators believe that Jon-Michael took
Sanchez down to the ground and produced a knife. The suspect
threatened to hurt Sanchez and her friend and took twenty
dollars from her purse. Sanchez continued to struggle with the
suspect and at one point kicked the suspect in the groin.
Sanchez produced a knife of her own from her pocket and stabbed
the suspect on the leg. The suspect ran from the scene and was
later located by investigators in a motel room close by. Upon
contact, investigators immediately noticed that Jon-Michael had
an obvious stab would to his leg that appeared to be fresh.
Co-suspect Criston Ruiz was located in close proximity to the
scene. He denied any knowledge of the suspect or what had
occurred. After learning the identity of the suspect, it was
apparent that Criston Ruiz was providing false information in
order to help his cousin Jon-Michael avoid arrest. Criston later
admitted to falsifying information to the police during a
post-Miranda interview in order to help his cousin.
Jon-Michael Ruiz was booked on suspicion of Armed Robbery.
Criston Ruiz was booked on suspicion of Hindering Prosecution.
As of this writing the release status and bond amount for both
suspects is unknown.