Travis County Sheriff's Office, Texas
End of Watch Thursday, February 15, 2001
Add to My HeroesKeith George Ruiz
Deputy Sheriff Keith Ruiz was shot and killed as he and other SWAT team members were attempting to serve a narcotics warrant around 9:30 p.m.
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. He is eligible for parole in 2041
Deputy Ruiz had served with the Travis County Sheriff's Department for 12 years. He is survived by his wife and three sons.
Bio
- Age 36
- Tour 12 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 54 ReflectionsI've been retired for many years now, but I will always remember meeting you in the academy class behind me and both of us working together, backing each other up in the Jonestown area or just meeting up to talk. I visit your resting place often... Rest in peace my brother.
Sgt. Glenn Copeland
Travis County Constable Pct. 5
February 17, 2022
Recent LODD Deaths
Corporal Timothy J. O'Connor, Jr.
Pennsylvania State Police, PA
EOW: March 8, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Kaleb Mitchell
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: March 7, 2026
Sergeant Kathleen M. Radziunas
Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Department, NY
EOW: April 30, 2025
Master Trooper Steven J. Perry
North Carolina Highway Patrol, NC
EOW: March 1, 2026
Conservation Enforcement Officer Senior Shawn Nixon
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, AL
EOW: November 23, 2025
Corporal David M. Hathcock
Montgomery Police Department, AL
EOW: February 22, 2026
Correctional Officer Dustin Pedigo
Tennessee Department of Correction, TN
EOW: February 25, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Michael Hislope
Christian County Sheriff's Office, MO
EOW: February 24, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Gabriel Ramirez
Christian County Sheriff's Office, MO
EOW: February 23, 2026

