Berkeley standoff suspect freed on mental health grounds
Ricardo Ruiz had been charged with 11 felonies stemming from an armed standoff with Berkeley police in April 2025.
Ricardo Ruiz
Authoritative, independent reporting on the Ricardo Ruiz case in Berkeley, California.
Ricardo Ruiz case: Judge delays mental health diversion ruling
Ruiz has petitioned the court for mental health diversion, which could result in a three-month residential program in lieu of trial.
Berkeley 'Tesla Takedown' trial: Ricardo Ruiz found not guilty
Update, Feb. 9: The jury came back with a not guilty verdict for Ricardo Ruiz, saying they found his self-defense argument credible.
Berkeley Trump backer, shot in police standoff, held for trial
Before the shooting, Ricardo Ruiz had already made headlines, prompted by sometimes violent confrontations at Berkeley protests.
Berkeley shootings in 2025: The definitive gunfire map
Berkeley had 15 shootings in 2025, including one by police. The prior year, there were 30 shootings.
Ricardo Ruiz case: Judge orders psych review to avoid 'fiasco'
The judge told Ruiz he was jeopardizing his case by demanding to move forward when his attorney wasn't ready.
Lawyer for Berkeley man shot by police has asked to withdraw
Judge David Pereda rejected the request, saying the attorney must continue to represent Ricardo Ruiz — at least for now.