LODI, Calif. — A Lodi family is one step closer to getting justice after police say they arrested a teenager and a co-conspirator in connection to the shooting death of Alan Ruiz Jr., 15.
The teenager was killed in late November when he was visiting family for Thanksgiving.
The arrest was a bit of good news for Alan Ruiz Sr. after losing his son.
“I got the call from the detectives telling me they got these two guys. I just dropped to my knees, and I was like, ‘Thank you, Jesus.’ I almost gave up hope for him. It was a bright Sunday. It was it was a good Sunday morning to hear this,” said Ruiz Sr.
Lodi police say they arrested a 15-year-old from Merced County and booked him into San Joaquin County's Peterson Juvenile Hall on suspicion of murder.
Officers also arrested 31-year-old Lodi resident Alberto Valentin. He is accused of being a co-conspirator. Investigators say Valentin was arrested on suspicion of homicide and other charges after officers found a gun in his car during a traffic stop.
“The last few weeks (have been) horrible man, a lot of negativities,” said Ruiz Sr.
Ruiz’s son was visiting him for Thanksgiving from Pittsburg in Contra Costa County. The night before he was set to leave, police say he was killed in a targeted shooting near Hale Road and South Cherokee Lane.
“My son was innocent,” said Ruiz Sr.
Family says Alan was not affiliated with gangs. Ruiz Sr. added Alan kept to himself, wanted to see the world and worked to provide for his sister.
The deadly shooting is one of eight Lodi has seen so far this year across seven cases. It reflects a significant uptick over the past few years, approaching 2018 numbers when ten people were killed, according Lodi Police Department.
Sgt. Matt Latino told ABC10 in late November, they are working to combat the violence through a comprehensive approach.
"We have taken all these additional steps to proactively address these issues within our community,” said Sgt. Latino. We have invested in our technology, we have invested in people and personnel, training them and developing them."
Lodi police say they also have a high rate of success in tracking down suspects in these crimes.
Ruiz Sr. is thankful they made progress in his son’s case.
“It was beautiful, beautiful week that I was able to spend time with him, on to the last moment and I am just grateful for the Lodi police to do what they are doing,” said Ruiz Sr.
Valentin is set to appear in court on Tuesday.
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