Marine arrested in assault that left Wilmington woman critically injured

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A Camp Lejeune Marine has been arrested in connection with the violent assault of a 22-year-old woman who was left with life-threatening injuries earlier this month in Wilmington.

The Wilmington Police Department announced the arrest of 26-year-old Isaac Mateo Ruiz on June 24 following what police described as a two-week investigation into the June 15 attack at a home on Talon Court.

According to police, detectives with the Wilmington Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division worked alongside the New Hanover County District Attorney’s Office, conducting interviews, analyzing evidence, reviewing surveillance footage and following up on tips from the public before making the arrest.

Ruiz, an active-duty Marine stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, is charged with:

• Assault by strangulation
• Assault inflicting serious bodily injury
• First-degree burglary

According to arrest warrants, investigators allege Ruiz assaulted 22-year-old Savannah Johnson, causing injuries that included fractures to her C5 and C6 vertebrae with ligament damage, compression fractures to her T2 through T6 vertebrae, a vertebral artery dissection and narrowing of an internal carotid artery. The burglary charge alleges Ruiz unlawfully entered a Talon Court residence that was occupied by Johnson with the intent to commit a felony.

WWAY previously reported that Johnson had moved to Wilmington from Michigan less than three weeks before the attack to explore job opportunities and stay with relatives.

According to Johnson’s family, she suffered fractures to her neck and upper back, underwent emergency spinal surgery and required a ventilator after the assault because she was unable to breathe on her own. Her parents have said doctors were initially unable to determine the full extent of her injuries because of swelling.

Johnson’s mother, Amanda Johnson, previously described her daughter as “such a beautiful, kind soul” and said the family relocated from Michigan to remain by her side during her recovery.

The arrest comes after prosecutors dismissed charges last week against another man, 27-year-old Dillon Garza of Cumberland County. The New Hanover County District Attorney’s Office said evidence supported Garza’s alibi and there was insufficient evidence to continue prosecuting him.

Court records indicate Ruiz has no prior criminal convictions. During his initial appearance, a judge set a $1 million secured bond and ordered that, if released, Ruiz have no direct or indirect contact with Johnson or her family. Court records also require him to remain under house arrest with electronic monitoring and leave only for court appearances, attorney visits or medical purposes.
Ruiz’s first appearance in District Court is scheduled for July 16.

The investigation remains active. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Wilmington Police Department at (910) 343-3600 or submit an anonymous tip through Tip411.