Attempted Cop Killer Sentenced to Life in Prison
Today in Department 19 of the Tulare County Superior Court, South County Justice Center, Judge Antonio Reyes sentenced Ruben Carreles, age 31, of Porterville, to 41 years-to-life in prison for attempted murder and gun crimes. On May 24, 2018, a jury convicted Carreles of pre-meditated and deliberate attempted murder of a peace officer, assault with a firearm on a peace officer, felon in possession of a firearm, and felon in possession of ammunition. Special allegations of personal use of a firearm inflicting great bodily injury were also found true.
In the late evening of August 18, 2016, Porterville Police Department officers were on patrol when they initiated a traffic stop for an unlit license plate. As they were pulling over, the front passenger door opened and the defendant, Carreles, started running. A foot chase ensued. As the officer was gaining, Carreles turned and took an offensive stance, pointing a gun at the officer. As the officer turned to take cover, Carreles opened fire hitting the officer in the buttocks. The officer was able to get his gun out and return fire. Carreles went to shoot at the officer again, but was shot by the injured officer and his partner. Carreles and the driver of the car, Vickie Monethichack, age 33, were taken in to custody.
Monethichack pleaded no contest to assault with a firearm on a peace officer and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. She was sentenced today to 8 years and 8 months in prison.
“We created the Crimes against Police Officers Unit because being assaulted isn’t just ‘part of the job’for the men and women who put on the uniform and wear the badge,” said District Attorney Tim Wardwhen the jury handed down its verdict in May. “Law enforcement officers deserve the same justice asanyone else who suffers at the hand of someone who seeks to harm. Justice was served here, and Icommend all who secured it.”
The case was prosecuted by Supervising Deputy District Attorney Mikki Verissimo and investigated theTulare County Sheriff’s Office as well as the District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigations.
Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Assistant District Attorney Dave Alavezos (559) 636-5494