Gilroy Police Call on Public for Help Locating Attempted Murder Suspect
Photo credit: Gilroy PD
GILROY, CA — “On Friday, October 2, 2026, at approximately 8:56 p.m., Gilroy Police officers responded to the 7300 block of Church Street following a report of a stabbing.
Upon arrival, officers located a 45-year-old male victim suffering from a serious stab wound to his abdomen. The victim sustained lifethreatening injuries and was transported to a local trauma center, where he underwent emergency surgery.
Gilroy Police detectives responded to the scene and took over the investigation. Through witness interviews, the collection of physical evidence, and additional investigative follow-up, detectives identified Jose Antonio Mateo Ruiz as the suspect.
Investigators determined that the victim and suspect were acquaintances who had been spending time together earlier that day. During the evening, an argument broke out between the two and escalated. Mateo Ruiz fled the area before officers arrived.
As part of the investigation, detectives utilized Flock Safety automated license plate reader (ALPR) data, which provided valuable information regarding the suspect’s vehicle and its movements before and after the incident. This information assisted detectives in corroborating portions of the investigation and identifying additional locations for follow-up.
Detectives continued their investigation in Gilroy and Santa Cruz County. With assistance from the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, investigators located Mateo Ruiz’s vehicle in Santa Cruz County. However, Mateo Ruiz was not found.
Based on the evidence gathered, detectives obtained a Ramey arrest warrant for Jose Antonio Mateo Ruiz for attempted murder (California Penal Code §§ 664/187).
Investigators have received information suggesting Mateo Ruiz may have fled to Mexico following the incident. His current whereabouts remain unknown.
Mateo Ruiz is described as a Hispanic male adult, approximately 5 feet tall, weighing 155 pounds, with short dark hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information regarding Jose Antonio Mateo Ruiz’s whereabouts or this investigation is encouraged to contact Detective Cat Fraide at (408) 846-0335 or email: Cat.Fraide@CityofGilroy.org”
