LAPD Officer Arrested in Monrovia on Suspicion of Attempting to Meet Minor
Vigilante group claims they lured the officer into a sting operation.
A Los Angeles Police Department officer was arrested in Monrovia on Oct. 22 on suspicion of violating a state penal code related to attempting to meet a minor for lewd purposes. The officer, identified as 31-year-old Leonardo A. Ruiz, was confronted by members of a social media group that aims to protect minors from online predators.
The incident occurred around 10 p.m. in the 300 block of West Olive Avenue. According to Ashton Corona, a member of the vigilante group, he engaged in online communication with Ruiz for three days, posing as a 16-year-old girl. During their exchange, Ruiz allegedly inquired about the presence of the girl's mother and discussed bringing condoms.
"I just wanna make sure your mom’s not home so nobody randomly pulls up," Corona recounted Ruiz asking, as reported by KTLA.
When Ruiz arrived at the agreed-upon location, the vigilante group confronted him. Video footage showed Ruiz attempting to flee the area as multiple men pursued him, urging him to stop. The group detained Ruiz until Monrovia police arrived.
During the confrontation, members of the group reportedly found what appeared to be a police badge on Ruiz's phone, leading to shouts of "It's a cop's phone!"
According to Monrovia Police, Ruiz was charged with suspicion of violating California Penal Code section 288.4. This law pertains to arranging a meeting with a minor, or someone believed to be a minor, for lewd reasons. Police officials confirmed that Ruiz identified himself as an employee of the LAPD during the arrest. He was booked into Los Angeles County jail and later released. The investigation is ongoing.
A retired LAPD detective, Moses Castillo, told KTLA that the department must now independently verify the information gathered by the civilian group. He stated that Ruiz could face both a criminal probe and an internal LAPD inquiry. Castillo suggested that investigators might explore whether Ruiz had contacted other potential victims, as cases involving alleged attempts to engage with minors can sometimes involve multiple individuals.
The LAPD acknowledged the arrest in a statement, confirming they are aware of the situation and fully cooperating with the investigation. The department has not disclosed Ruiz's current employment status or whether he has been placed on leave. Prosecutors have not yet announced whether criminal charges will be filed.