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Sarasota News Leader November 15, 2013 Page 83 18-YEAR-OLD ARRESTED AFTER HOLDING TWO PEOPLE AT GUNPOINT Detectives with the Sarasota Police Department have arrested Francisco Ruiz, 18, of 3232 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, after obtaining information that led them to believe he had held two people at gunpoint, stole cash and cell phones from the victims, physically beat one of the victims and stole their truck, the department reported. Ruiz has been charged with felony counts of Armed Robbery with a Firearm and Carjacking with a Firearm, according to a news release. The victims were at the Presidential Apartments when Ruiz asked one of them for a ride, a news release says. After the victim refused, the release continues, Ruiz became Francisco Ruiz/Contributed photo angry and started yelling profanities at him. The victim reported to officers that Ruiz told towards him, according to the report. That him he was going to call his gang over to kill victim said he saw the handle of a black the victim. automatic firearm tucked in the driver's waistBoth victims climbed into their car and drove band, with the driver's shirt tucked behind the around the back of the apartment complex gun. At that point, the report says, the driver to wait for another friend, the report notes. ordered the second victim to give him money, Several minutes later, Ruiz and two other and that victim handed over his wallet, which suspects arrived in a gray Volkswagen Jetta, contained $140. according to the report. The rear passenger — who had not been identified as of Nov. 12 — exited the rear passenger door of the car and pointed a .45-caliber gun at the victims, the report adds. Afterward, Ruiz and the two unidentified suspects drove off. Then, about five minutes later, according to the report, the Jetta returned. Ruiz and the rear passenger climbed out of the vehicle, with the passenger brandishing the .45-caliber gun once more. They ordered the victims out of their vehicle and then drove away in it. The Jetta followed them, the report adds. Ruiz then took the keys out of the ignition of the victims' car, hit one of the victims in the face and ordered both victims out of the car. Ruiz allegedly stole $140 in cash from one victim's wallet; then he reached into the car and grabbed a cell phone belonging to the same Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to call Det. Maria Llovio at 364victim, the report says. 7336, leave an anonymous tip with Crime The second victim told officers the driver of Stoppers by calling 366-TIPS (8477) or going the Jetta got out of the car next and walked online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com. %