The Tigard Police released the following information about a suspect who was arrested on accusations he sexually abused a child on a school bus.
An investigation led by Tigard Police resulted in the arrest of a 60-year-old Hillsboro man. Mario Mendez Ruiz was charged by a Washington County Grand Jury on April 21, 2017, for crimes related to the sexual abuse of a child.
Ruiz is currently employed by the Tigard-Tualatin School District as a school bus driver for special needs children. Ruiz has been on paid administrative leave since the district learned of the allegations. Earlier this month, a female student revealed to school officials that she had been sexually abused by Ruiz while riding on a school bus. The occurrences began in late March. Upon learning, school officials immediately contacted Tigard Police who then met with the victim and the parent. An investigation ensued which included contacting the other students who also were driven to school by Ruiz. Law enforcement is unaware of any additional victims.
The incidents reportedly occurred after all the students were unloaded from a school bus except the victim. The investigation revealed on two occasions, Ruiz deviated his route and drove the bus to a nearby neighborhood and parked. Once the bus stopped, Ruiz would then take a seat next to the student and the sexual abuse would occur. On one occasion, Ruiz provided the victim money along with instructions not to tell anyone of their friendship.
On May 3, 2017, Ruiz was taken into custody by Tigard Police without incident. Ruiz is presently lodged in the Washington County Jail.
Police and other child safety professionals have always advocated that parents maintain open dialogues with their children while encouraging them to freely express their feelings or worries without reprisal. These steps are vital in the continuous battle to combat child sex abuse. Tigard Police cannot overstate their mission to help keep all children safe. Building trust and encouraging communication is what Tigard Police does every day. Parents can learn more about the prevention of child abuse at: http://www.nsvrc.org