Alamdar Hamdani U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
A 19-year-old resident of Laredo, Texas, has been indicted on federal charges for possession of a machinegun. U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei announced the indictment against Justin Landen Ruiz, who is expected to appear before a U.S. magistrate judge in Laredo federal court soon.
The charges stem from a road rage incident on February 6, where authorities responded to an altercation on the northbound lane of Bob Bullock near Lake Casa Blanca International State Park. Ruiz, the driver and only occupant of a black Jeep, allegedly displayed a firearm during the incident.
Upon stopping the vehicle and conducting a search, authorities discovered two firearms and three loaded magazines in the center console. One of these firearms was identified as a tan Glock 19x, 9mm pistol equipped with a machinegun conversion device that enables it to operate fully automatically.
If found guilty, Ruiz could face up to ten years in prison and a fine reaching $250,000.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives led the investigation with support from the Laredo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew P. Hakala-Finch is prosecuting the case.
It is important to note that an indictment serves as a formal accusation rather than evidence of guilt; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty through due legal process.
