At approximately 3:32 a.m. on Monday, March 17, Snowflake-Taylor Police Department, with assistance from regional law enforcement agencies, responded to a reported shooting incident at a residence on South Savage Street in Snowflake. According to the Snowflake-Taylor Police Department, when officers arrived, they discovered a 20-year-old man outside in the front yard of a residence who had been shot multiple times. The victim was transported to Summit Healthcare in Show Low then later life-flighted to the Valley for advance medical care.
When it was discovered that the suspected shooter, identified as 54-year-old Mark Ruiz, was still inside the residence along with another subject, the scene was secured and the White Mountain Regional Special Response Team responded to assist. Ruiz initially refused to surrender, but after several hours and numerous attempts to communicate with the individuals in the residence, Ruiz exited the home and was taken into custody without further incident.
A prosecutor and victim services advocate with the Navajo County Attorney’s Office also responded to the scene to assist a second victim, an 18-year-old relative of Ruiz, who was allegedly assaulted with a gun and baseball bat while attempting to shield the shooting victim from additional harm.
Ruiz was indicted by grand jury on March 11, and charged with misconduct involving weapons, tampering with physical evidence, attempted second-degree murder and two counts of aggravated assault. Ruiz was booked into the Navajo County Jail and held on a $5 million bond.
Snowflake-Taylor Police Chief Robert Martin stated, “This was a dangerous situation that required a coordinated response to ensure the safety of everyone involved. I commend our officers, the White Mountain Regional Special Response Team, the White Mountain Homicide Task Force, the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office and the Show Low Police Department for their professionalism and quick action in de-escalating the situation and taking the suspect into custody without further harm. Our department remains committed to protecting this community and ensuring justice is served.”
