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Incident
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.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and three sons.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Ruiz gave the Travis County Sheriff's Office 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the Austin community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Ruiz.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Travis County Sheriff's Department has lost 8 officers; 6 of them killed feloniously.
Keith is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Keith is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Keith is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2001, 1 officer at Travis County Sheriff's Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 2001, 11 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 44th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 2001, 158 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 23rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2001, 160 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 27th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Keith was 36. Of the 4 killed feloniously at Travis County Sheriff's Department whose age is recorded, half were between 42 and 53.3; the middle age was 48. Keith had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 7.4 years.
Keith was 36. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Keith had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Keith was 36. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Keith had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Keith was 36. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Keith had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 33.3% of these deaths at Travis County Sheriff's Department; November holds the most, 33.3%. Thursdays: 33.3%.
February holds 7.6% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 8 deaths at Travis County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause.
His people
Travis County Sheriff's Department has 8 officers remembered here, Keith among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 22-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Travis County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
