Ruiz was attacked by 30-year-old Clinton Robert Hurley at the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office's District 2 substation, according to sheriff's officials.
Ruiz was tasked with transporting Hurley to a Sheriff's Office substation after he had been apprehended on an outstanding arrest warrant. When they returned to the station, Ruiz removed Hurley's handcuffs to place him in a holding cell and then Hurley turned on the deputy and a fight ensued, Penzone said.
During the fight, Ruiz tried to use his radio to request assistance multiple times but was unsuccessful.
After beating Ruiz unconscious, Hurley took the keys to the deputy's vehicle, crashed through the gate and fled the area, Penzone said.
Later Saturday, officers received a call about a shooting at a residence. At that time, officers thought the two incidents were not connected.