A San Diego police officer, Joseph Ruvido, who was arrested last month on suspicion of soliciting sex from a minor, was found dead in his home on Monday in what police are investigating as an apparent suicide. Ruvido, 49, was discovered with a self-inflicted gunshot wound at his residence in Carmel Valley at approximately 4:25 p.m.
San Diego Police Department Chief David Nisleit reported that Ruvido had failed to appear for a scheduled court appearance earlier that day. According to Fox News, Nisleit addressed the media, stating, “Everything appears to be that this is going to be a suicide. It appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound at this time. Our homicide unit protocol is out there doing this investigation, but all signs, all indications are that this is a suicide.”
Nisleit indicated that he was informed of Ruvido’s absence from the courthouse around 1:40 p.m. and that by 2:08 p.m., it was confirmed that he had failed to appear after his case was called.
As a result, SDPD officers made several attempts to contact Ruvido. Nisleit said officers forced entry into the home due to the apparent exigency and discovered the officer’s body. The chief added that the exact time of death was not immediately clear.
Ruvido’s arrest occurred on July 26 after a Crime Stoppers tip identified him as one of several suspects allegedly involved in soliciting minors for sex. Nisleit confirmed that Ruvido posted his $100,000 bail the following day and had not been in contact with the department since.
Ruvido was a 21-year veteran of the San Diego Police Department. Nisleit commented on the ongoing investigation into the allegations against Ruvido, stating, “it’s still very much an open investigation.” He added, “He was a San Diego police officer for 21 years and obviously we don’t condone what he is accused of, obviously but he was still a member of this department.”
At the time of his death, Ruvido was on unpaid leave. The police suicide highlights the mental health challenges faced by law enforcement officers.
(San Diego Police Department)