DPS: Man barricades self in Phoenix apartment

PHOENIX - Authorities have identified a man who was arrested at a Phoenix apartment complex where he barricaded himself Tuesday morning. 

The Arizona Department of Public Safety said it believes Victor Mauricio Ruelas-Rodriguez is in the country illegally.

Authorities also said he has a criminal past with multiple felonies.

The situation started when an officer pulled over the 19-year-old for speeding on Interstate 10 near 12th Street around 11 p.m. Monday. 

Carrick Cook with DPS said Ruelas-Rodriguez didn't have identification. When the officer tried to arrest him, the suspect allegedly punched him in the face and took off running.

He was running across the freeway, Cook said. The officer tried to get the suspect with a stun gun, but it didn't work.

After a brief foot pursuit, the officer lost the suspect, DPS said.

Police dogs were used to track Ruelas-Rodriguez but nothing turned up. 

There were other people in the vehicle, Cook said. They led DPS to the SanTerra Apartments near McDowell Road and 34th Street. 

It's believed the suspect lived there with multiple occupants.

Police said he barricaded himself in the apartment with the occupants. At some point overnight, the occupants came out of the apartment. 

DPS said they were able to communicate with Ruelas-Rodriguez through that family. According to DPS, the family said the suspect had a weapon, that he was here illegally and had a criminal past.

The Phoenix police bomb squad was called to the scene. Cook said there was not a concern of explosives but a bomb squad robot was used to enter the apartment.

The camera-equipped robot searched the apartment and later spotted the suspect hiding under a blanket. 

Police gave him instructions to surrender.

Ruelas-Rodriguez was taken into custody around 8:15 a.m. without further incident. 

He was booked into the Maricopa County Jail on charges of aggravated assault, resisting arrest, escape, and failing to provide identification while driving a motor vehicle, Cook said.

His girlfriend was also taken into custody for questioning.

Cook said the officer who was punched is OK. It's not clear if a weapon was found in the apartment.