A fellow employee and classmate is one of three people charged in an armed robbery that took the life of a high school senior in Bolivar, Tennessee.
According to Bolivar Police, around 9:00 Tuesday night two men entered the back of El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant on West Market Street.
Investigators said they were caught off guard by an employee, 19 year old Michael Ruiz Chavira, then shot and killed him.
“19 years old. High school student. He was set to graduate in May. I spoke to Principal Barnes, he said he was a great student. Never any issues,” said Bolivar Police Chief Pat Baker.
Baker said John Gray, 19, and two underage boys were arrested in connection to the crime.
Gray is an employee at El Ranchito.
Authorities said Gray and one of the juveniles in custody attend Bolivar Central High School, the same school as Ruiz Chavira.
Baker said more arrests could be coming.
“El Ranchito’s has been here for many years, and it’s a restaurant when you go into they know your name and you know the servers’ names. When something like this happens it does, it shakes a community,” said Chief Baker.
Relatives did not want to talk on camera but said Ruiz Chavira was a good guy who loved his tight knit family and always wanted to help others.
Hardeman County Schools made counselors available for students and staff. A spokesperson said they will continue to do so as needed.
The suspects are being charged with first degree murder, especially aggravated armed robbery, and possession of a firearm in commission of a dangerous felony.
Baker said they are looking into whether the suspects are tied to other robberies around Hardeman County.
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(ORIGINAL STORY 3-21-2018 12:23 p.m.)
Police in Bolivar, Tennessee, are offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person who shot and killed a high school student during an armed robbery at a restaurant.
Police say Michael Ruiz was shot and killed Tuesday night at the El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant. They say Ruiz was shot during an armed robbery. No other details were released.
Anyone with information can contact the Bolivar Police Department at 731-658-4284, or Police Chief Pat Baker at 731-609-1156.
