The St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office is looking into the death of a man who passed away while in custody on Monday. Hector Ruiz-Santos, a 42-year-old from Patterson, Louisiana, was arrested on October 9, 2023, for battery on a police officer, resisting arrest with non-aggravated force, and causing violent and tumultuous disturbances.
Deputies responded to a call about an ongoing disturbance at a Patterson residence on October 9th, 2023, around 12:10 am. After arriving at the scene and conducting an investigation, they arrested Ruiz-Santos for creating violent and tumultuous disturbances. He was then taken into custody and transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking.
Upon reaching the law enforcement center, authorities found Ruiz-Santos unresponsive. Despite administering CPR and calling Acadian for assistance, life-saving efforts proved futile. The investigation into this incident continues, with more information set to be released as it becomes available.