Quick-Thinking Clerk Disarms Robber in Brownsville Convenience Store; Suspect Arrested

Brownsville Police Patrol Officers responded to a call of an aggravated robbery in progress at the Exxon-Xoom convenience store on W. Elizabeth Street. The incident occurred on January 16, 2024.

The clerk reported that a male suspect, later identified as Michael Ruiz (34), entered the store wearing a ski mask and left with two 18-packs of beer. The clerk and a customer pursued Ruiz in an attempt to recover the stolen items. During the confrontation, Ruiz brandished a knife and swung it at the clerk and the customer. Fearing for their safety, both individuals backed away, allowing Ruiz to leave the scene.

As Ruiz turned around, he discarded the knife on the floor. Seizing the opportunity, the clerk decided to apprehend Ruiz by kicking him. The kick caused Ruiz to fall, enabling the clerk to retrieve the stolen merchandise. Police arrived at the scene and promptly arrested Ruiz.

Michael Ruiz was transported to Brownsville City Jail, where he faces charges of Aggravated Robbery (1st Degree Felony) and two counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon (2nd Degree Felony). He was arraigned on January 17, 2024, and a $125,000 bond was issued.