Gilroy Police Issued Warrant for Attempted Murder Suspect
Authorities are searching for 35-year-old Jose Antonio Mateo Ruiz following a stabbing on Church Street.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Violence
Gilroy police have obtained an arrest warrant for 35-year-old Jose Antonio Mateo Ruiz for attempted murder. The charge follows a stabbing incident that left a 45-year-old man hospitalized after undergoing emergency surgery for a stomach wound.
Why it matters
The stabbing reportedly occurred following an argument between the two men, who were acquaintances. Investigators now believe the suspect may have fled to Mexico after his vehicle was tracked to Santa Cruz County.
An arrest warrant has been filed for Jose Antonio Mateo Ruiz, who stands 5 feet tall and weighs 155 pounds. Detectives are currently seeking information from the public at 408-846-0335.
The players
Jose Antonio Mateo Ruiz
The 35-year-old suspect is currently the subject of an arrest warrant for attempted murder.
Gilroy Police
The local agency is leading the investigation and currently tracking the suspect.
The details
The stabbing took place in the 7300 block of Church Street at approximately 9 p.m. Detectives identified Ruiz as the suspect after interviewing witnesses and utilizing automated license plate reader technology to follow his vehicle.
Timeline
The stabbing incident occurred on October 9, 2026, at approximately 9 p.m.
Legal Context
This investigation reflects standard inter-agency coordination protocols utilized in the city since the 2018 Gilroy Garlic Festival shooting response protocols. The use of automated license plate tracking highlights the integration of modern surveillance tech in local investigations.
Residents are encouraged to contact authorities if they have information regarding the suspect's current location. Local business owners and residents near Church Street should remain alert as the investigation remains active.
The takeaway
When involved in personal disputes, individuals should prioritize de-escalation to avoid violent outcomes. If you have information about this case, reach out to local law enforcement immediately to assist in the ongoing search.
Further reading
For more on local public safety, visit the Violence section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by San Jose Mercury News.
