The Cape Coral Police Department has arrested a 16-year-old male, identified as John David Ruiz (DOB 02/08/2009), in connection with a burglary involving stolen security equipment. This arrest follows an investigation initiated when Ruiz’s father came forward to report suspicious items found in Ruiz’s bedroom after he was reported as a runaway.
On July 10, 2025, at approximately 9:12 AM, John David Ruiz was reported as a runaway by his father. The father also surrendered several items discovered in his son’s room that he believed did not belong to his son and were possibly stolen. The items included a black tactical armored vest labeled “SECURITY”, three loaded AR-15 style rifle magazines, one magazine for a handgun, and a box of 9MM ammunition. All items were turned over to the police department and an investigation was initiated.
On July 12, 2025, CCPD officers responded to a report of a past occurred vehicle burglary (occurred on July 8, 2025) in Southeast Cape Coral. The victim reported that approximately $8,850 worth of tactical and security equipment was stolen from his work truck. Detectives working for the Property Crimes Unit assumed the investigation and confirmed that the tactical vest turned in by Ruiz’s father matched the victim’s stolen vest. Consent to search the Ruiz residence was obtained, and further evidence was found, including the victim’s cut-up ID, discovered in Ruiz’s bedroom.
On July 15, 2025, at approximately 12:42 PM, Property Crimes Detectives were grabbing lunch at the Publix located at 100 Hancock Bridge Parkway W. Detectives looked over from the deli area to the dining area and recognized John Ruiz from their investigation. Ruiz was actively trying to conceal himself. Detectives had charges for Ruiz, as well as the knowledge of a separate warrant out for his arrest.
The detectives walked over to detain Ruiz. Ruiz began looking for an exit and did not listen to the detective’s verbal commands. Ruiz tried to run but was quickly apprehended by detectives after a brief struggle.
Video footage of the incident is available. The following comes from the detective’s arrest report, “While reviewing the video, you can observe that just prior to John Ruiz standing up, he changes the configuration of his crocs where the strap to his right croc shoe was initially forward. I have heard in the past that by moving the crocs strap from a slip-on shoe configuration to a back strap to secure the foot is called putting the crocs into “sport mode” or “4-wheel drive” which more securing holds the croc to his foot. I believe this was done because he was preparing to flee prior to contact with Law Enforcement.”
John David Ruiz was arrested and charged with:
— 1 count in violation of F.S.S 810.02(2b): Burglary of unoccupied conveyance – Armed
— 1 count in violation of F.S.S. 812.014(2c5): Grand Theft Firearm
— 1 count in violation of F.S.S. 812.014(2c2): Grand Theft $5,000 or more but less than $10,000
— 1 count in violation of F.S.S. 843.02: Resist Officer Without Violence
The investigation is still ongoing.
Arrested: John David Ruiz (DOB 02/08/2009)
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