U.S. Marshals arrest Florida fugitive in Wilmington

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A man wanted on domestic violence charges in Florida is in the New Hanover County Detention Center.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Marshals Service Violent Fugitive Task Force arrested Carlos Antonio Ruiz, 34, at a home on McClelland Drive.

According to a news release, Ruiz is wanted by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office for Domestic Assault by Strangulation, False Imprisonment, and Tampering by Depriving Use of 911.

The charges stem from an assault which took place in August. U.S. Marshals say Ruiz left the Brevard County area after the offense.

The U.S. Marshals task force in Florida learned that Ruiz may be hiding in the Wilmington area and requested assistance from the local office.

Marshals found Ruiz hiding under a couch in the home of a family member where he was taken into custody without further incident.

Ruiz is awaiting extradition.

The U.S. Marshals Service VFTF is comprised of the U.S. Marshals Service, the Wilmington Police Department, the NC Department of Public Safety, and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office. A WPD K-9 unit also assisted in this arrest.