Alex Ruiz was 20 and a resident of Santa Ana when he was killed in a drive-by shooting on August 15, 2022. The shooting happened in the midafternoon on the 1700 block of North Spurgeon Street. Ruiz was with a friend, Andres Ponce, when a Chevrolet Equinox drove by and a passenger opened fire. Ruiz was struck once in the chest and taken to OC Global Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 4:05 p.m.

Surveillance footage reportedly shows the passenger leaning out of the vehicle and firing. Investigators used that footage and partial license plate information to track the car. The case has been framed in the context of gang activity in the area and the prosecution presented evidence about the shooter’s gang affiliations and alleged intent to target rival members. Ruiz’s family and friends continue to mourn his loss.

If anyone saw activity on North Spurgeon Street that afternoon or has information about the vehicle involved, please come forward.