Police report that during an undercover drug bust in a parking lot, Ruelas seemed to be high. While sitting in his truck, he reportedly told the undercover buyer, Det. Travis Niesen, that he had a gun and then "reached for his waist." Niesen shot him, then Dets. Cory Morgan, Justin Mead and Jake Thompson, Sgt. Greg Hill, and Deputy Sheriff Tyler Fernandes opened fire. Ruelas was unarmed and shot 29 times.
Victim's Name: Juan Carlos Ruelas
Agency Responsible: Santa Clara Police Department, Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office
Gender: Male
Age: 34
Race: Hispanic
Date of Death: September 4, 2013
County: Santa Clara
Cause of Death: Gunshot
Official Disposition: Justified
Criminal Charges: No known charges
Mental Illness: Drug or alcohol use
Armed: Unarmed/Did Not Have an Actual Weapon
Weapon: unarmed
Geography: Suburban