Dallas, September 29, 2025
News Summary
Frank Ruiz, 47, was pronounced dead shortly after being released from a hospital while in police custody following a disturbance and subsequent arrest. Police received multiple calls regarding Ruiz’s erratic behavior, which escalated to a shooting report. Despite being taken to the hospital and later booked at the Dallas County jail, he became unresponsive during the intake process. This incident marks the third death in custody this year, prompting investigations by local authorities.
Dallas — Frank Ruiz, 47, was pronounced dead on September 21, 2025, almost two hours after being released from a hospital while in police custody. The death occurred in the early hours after Ruiz was brought to a Dallas County jail for booking following a late-night incident that escalated from calls about a disturbance to a shooting report.
What happened and when
Police received calls at approximately 10:24 p.m. regarding a man yelling outside a residence in the 1600 block of South Hampton Road, later identified as Ruiz. The situation escalated to a burglary report around 10:50 p.m. when Ruiz allegedly attempted to enter the home. By 11:06 p.m., the call was updated to a shooting report. A resident at the home claimed to have shot Ruiz after he broke a glass door with a brick.
Officers on the scene did not find gunshot wounds on Ruiz when he was detained and handcuffed. Ruiz, while being taken by ambulance to the hospital, reported that he had recently taken prescription medication, consumed alcohol, and smoked methamphetamine. He also disclosed a history of seizures, and paramedics noted he had an elevated heart rate.
Ruiz arrived at the hospital around 11:35 p.m. and was released to police for booking at around 2:25 a.m. He was arrested on a criminal mischief charge and booked at the Dallas County jail.
Condition during booking and death
During his initial screening at the Dallas County jail, he was unable to stand. Ruiz was unable to stand during his booking process at the jail, and he was carried by officers. After being transported to the booking area, Ruiz became unresponsive at about 3:13 a.m. First responders and medical staff at the jail attempted life-saving measures until Ruiz was taken back to the hospital around 4 a.m. He was pronounced deceased at 4:11 a.m.
This incident marks the third death in custody this year according to Dallas police. The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office was notified and will conduct an investigation. The Office of Community Police Oversight has also been notified of the incident.
Immediate actions and investigations
Authorities notified the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office, which will investigate the circumstances surrounding Ruiz’s death. The Office of Community Police Oversight has also been informed and will be involved in oversight of the case. Local law enforcement officials have reported the timeline of calls and actions that led to Ruiz’s arrest and subsequent transport to a hospital and the jail.
Context and significance
The death follows a series of events beginning with disturbance calls and a resident’s report that a shot was fired after a door was broken. Officers did not observe gunshot wounds on Ruiz at the scene. Medical responders documented that Ruiz reported recent use of prescription medication, alcohol, and methamphetamine and noted a history of seizures and an elevated heart rate. These factors were part of the official record as the investigation proceeds.
Authorities have not released additional details about the ongoing investigations or any potential criminal or administrative findings. The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office and the Office of Community Police Oversight are the primary agencies named to review the incident.
FAQ
When did Frank Ruiz die?
Frank Ruiz, 47, was pronounced dead on September 21, 2025, almost two hours after being released from a hospital while in police custody.
What was he arrested for?
He was arrested on a criminal mischief charge and booked at the Dallas County jail.
What happened during booking?
Ruiz was unable to stand during his booking process at the jail, and he was carried by officers. He became unresponsive during the booking process and later died.
What calls did police receive about the incident?
Police received calls at approximately 10:24 p.m. regarding a man yelling outside a residence in the 1600 block of South Hampton Road, later identified as Ruiz. The situation escalated to a burglary report around 10:50 p.m. when Ruiz allegedly attempted to enter the home. By 11:06 p.m., the call was updated to a shooting report.
Did officers find gunshot wounds on Ruiz?
Officers on the scene did not find gunshot wounds on Ruiz when he was detained and handcuffed.
What did Ruiz report to medical personnel?
Ruiz, while being taken by ambulance to the hospital, reported that he had recently taken prescription medication, consumed alcohol, and smoked methamphetamine. He also disclosed a history of seizures, and paramedics noted he had an elevated heart rate.
What are the timeline details for hospital and booking?
Ruiz arrived at the hospital around 11:35 p.m. and was released to police for booking at around 2:25 a.m. After being transported to the booking area, Ruiz became unresponsive at about 3:13 a.m. First responders and medical staff at the jail attempted life-saving measures until Ruiz was taken back to the hospital around 4 a.m. He was pronounced deceased at 4:11 a.m.
Who is investigating the death?
The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office was notified and will conduct an investigation. The Office of Community Police Oversight has also been notified of the incident.
| Key feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Subject | Frank Ruiz, 47 |
| Pronounced dead | September 21, 2025 at 4:11 a.m. |
| Time gap | Almost two hours after being released from a hospital while in police custody |
| Initial calls | 10:24 p.m. — man yelling; 10:50 p.m. — burglary; 11:06 p.m. — shooting report |
| Hospital timing | Arrived ~11:35 p.m.; released to police ~2:25 a.m. |
| Booking events | Unable to stand during initial screening; carried by officers; became unresponsive ~3:13 a.m. |
| Medical notes | Reported recent prescription medication, alcohol, and methamphetamine use; history of seizures; elevated heart rate |
| Investigations | Dallas County District Attorney’s Office notified; Office of Community Police Oversight notified |
| Context | Third death in custody this year according to Dallas police |
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Additional Resources
- Dallas News
- Wikipedia: Custody death
- Fox 4 News
- Google Search: Dallas police custody death
- WFAA
- Google Scholar: Dallas police custody death
- Hoodline
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dallas police custody death
- DPD Beat
- Google News: Dallas County jail death
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
