Suspect prompts SWAT response in South Jordan after shooting at police

SALT LAKE CITY – A suspect is in custody Sunday after police said they fired multiple shots at officers, then barricaded themselves inside a South Jordan residence.

At approximately 2 a.m. Sunday, the South Jordan Police Department said officers responded to a domestic violence call near Monica Ridge Way.

“As officers stood outside the residence, a shot from inside the residence was fired through the home in the direction of officers,” the department said in a release. “As more officers arrived, the suspect fired multiple shots.”

Police documents identified the suspect as Misael Omar Ruiz, age 25, and that, in total, seven shots were fired at officers. The documents also show that two children were also in the home at the time of the disturbance.

The victim told police that Ruiz was “belligerently drunk” after she returned from an evening spent with friends and that he eventually punched her in the shoulder, prompting her to call the police. 

When they arrived, the victim and her two children fled from the home with the assistance of police.

Police said a shelter-in-place was sent to residents in the area, and adjacent homes were evacuated.

The South Valley SWAT team responded to the residence, then Ruiz reportedly barricaded himself inside the residence. Police said officers made contact with Ruiz over the phone initially, but then stopped speaking with them.

After three hours of no contact between officers and Ruiz, police said a warrant was obtained. The SWAT team reportedly entered the residence and took the Ruiz into custody.

Police said Ruiz had minor injuries and was taken to the hospital. He is in police custody on suspicion of five counts of aggravated assault, a third-degree felony. He is also suspected in the felony discharge of a firearm, failure to stop at command of lawl enforcement, interfering with a peace officer, reckless endangerment, assulat on a peace officer with use of a dangerous weapon, public intoxication, and a violent offense committed in the presence of a child.

The department said there was no ongoing threat to the public, and the shelter-in-place was lifted.

The investigation is ongoing, according to the department. No further information was immediately available.

---

This story may be updated.

Domestic violence resources

If you or someone you know is going through abuse, help is available.

• The Utah Domestic Violence Coalition operates a confidential statewide, 24-hour domestic abuse hotline at 1-800-897-LINK (5465).
• Resources are also available online at the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition website.
• YWCA Women in Jeopardy program: 801-537-8600
• Utah’s statewide child abuse and neglect hotline: 1-855-323-DCFS (3237)

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233