Suspect in MCSO deputy’s death out of hospital, jailed in neighboring county

PHOENIX – The suspect in the fatal beating of a metro Phoenix sheriff’s deputy has been released from the hospital and is being detained in a neighboring county.

Clinton Hurley, 31, was booked into Pinal County jail in Florence on Wednesday.

A Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office spokesman told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Thursday that Hurley was transferred “to avoid any conflicts.”

Hurley allegedly assaulted Deputy Juan Ruiz at an Avondale substation around 11 a.m. Saturday, while the suspect was being processed on multiple felony warrants.

Officials said Ruiz removed Hurley’s handcuffs to put him in a cell when the attack occurred. Other deputies found Ruiz bleeding and unconscious in the cell.

Ruiz was put on life support so his organs could be donated, and he died Monday.

MCSO said Hurley allegedly took Ruiz’s car, crashed through a fence and fled the area. He may have stolen another vehicle during his escape.

Hurley was captured Saturday night after a homeowner shot him during a break-in.

He’d been hospitalized until he was taken to the Pinal County jail.

Pinal County’s online records show him as being on a courtesy hold.

Charges against Hurley for Ruiz’s death are pending.

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