Wednesday, April 19, 2017

He Fought the LAW and the LAW Won!!

April 19, 2017

A Levy County Deputy found himself in a fight for his safety late Monday evening. A female called the LCSO Communication Division and requested help from a deputy to remove a male acquaintance from her property. When the deputy arrived, he spoke to the complainant who told him the male identified as Thomas William Ruble (7-26-86) from Indiana had overstayed his welcome. The deputy attempted to speak to Ruble and was met with threats of violence directed toward both the female and him. During this encounter Ruble spat in the complainant’s face then ran into the home.

Our deputy gave chase and apprehended Ruble in the kitchen area of the home. Ruble initially complied with commands to surrender, but immediately resisted when the deputy attempted to cuff him. Ruble initially placed his hands in his pockets and refused commands to “show his hands.” When our deputy took control of Ruble’s arm/hand Ruble lunged for kitchen knives within arm’s reach in an opened dishwasher. Our deputy was able to control Ruble and take him to the ground but the fight continued. The deputy was battle bruised, his uniform ripped, brass stripped from his vest and Taser ripped from its holster but he persevered. Deputy Ryan Park, a newcomer to the LCSO family, was able to restrain Ruble on the living-room floor until backup arrived some 10 minutes later. Deputy Park was unable to call for emergency assistance because any attempt to reach for his radio would have allowed Ruble to escape his grip and continue the fight.

Corporal Tom Martin arrived and immediately rushed to Deputy Park’s assistance. But, Ruble still was not willing to give up. He continued to fight with both deputies until he was ultimately overpowered and cuffed. But, still he fought. Ruble was eventually at the receiving end of Corporal Martin’s Taser when he refused to get into the deputy’s patrol car to be transferred to the Detention Facility. Still he fought. Shortly after being escorted into our jail, Ruble fought with Detention Staff and was Tasered again.

Because of the violent nature of Ruble’s behavior inside the facility, he was not seen at first appearance the following morning. Therefore, no bond was assigned. Ruble has been charged with battery for spitting in the complainant’s face, two counts of battery on a law enforcement officer, depriving an officer a means of protection or communication and resisting arrest with violence. Ruble was first appeared this morning, April 19, 2017, and his bond was set at $675,000.00.

Investigators located items believed to be drug paraphernalia when conducting a follow up investigation. Investigators tested these items and they tested positive for PCP. This could explain Ruble’s sustained superhuman strength during the fight. Deputies never know what they will encounter during a tour of duty and this is a perfect example of why maintaining excellent physical fitness saved Deputy Park from injury.
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