Fontana deputies took a 19-year-old man into custody following threats he allegedly made involving a firearm. The incident, which originated from the 11900 block of Pine Avenue in Bloomington, led to the arrest of Angel Ruiz, a resident of the area. The victim, whose identity remains confidential, reported to Deputy Padilla on August 21, 2024, that Ruiz had threatened her with a firearm, leaving her unable to sleep and in constant fear for her safety.
After a detailed investigation, which included interviews with credible witnesses, Deputy Padilla successfully secured an arrest warrant for Ruiz, locating and arresting him in Rialto later that day. Ruiz was subsequently booked at the West Valley Detention Center with the process unfolding smoothly, and without incident, as detailed in a report released by the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department.
Continuing the investigation, on August 23, 2024, Deputy Padilla authored a search warrant for Ruiz's residence in Bloomington. With Ruiz still in custody, Padilla, together with investigators from the Fontana Sheriff's Station, executed the warrant. They discovered an unserialized semi-automatic pistol, commonly referred to as a "ghost gun", and a loaded magazine at Ruiz’s home. The nature of the weapon, lacking a serial number, makes it difficult to trace and is a cause of growing concern for law enforcement.
A Criminal Protection Order followed suit, which Padilla served to Ruiz while he remained in custody. To reassure her safety, Padilla made certain to contact the victim and inform her that deputies from the Fontana Station would maintain extra patrols in the vicinity of her home.
Local authorities are seeking further information from the public regarding this incident. Individuals with knowledge of the situation can reach out to the Fontana Sheriff's Station or, for those wishing to remain anonymous, contact the We-Tip Hotline or leave information on the We-Tip website.
