A suspect in the home invasion and sexual assault of two minors in Sturgis has been identified. Miguel Hernandez-Ruiz, 25, has been arraigned on one count of Home Invasion, 1st Degree, and two counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct, 1st Degree (person under the age of 13).

Hernandez-Ruiz is being held in custody with no bond and his next court date is set for April 30.

On March 20, deputies were dispatched to the Sweet Lake Mobile Home Park in Sturgis for a report of a home invasion. Through their investigation, they found that two females under the age of 13 were sexually assaulted.

Subsequent inquiry led deputies to a person of interest, as video surveillance footage of a vehicle that was suspected to be involved in the incident was located and its owner identified. Investigators determined the suspect was the driver of the vehicle captured in the footage, however the suspect fled the area prior to being taken into custody for questioning.

The sheriff’s office tracked the movements of the suspect, who was traced to Fort Wayne, Indiana. Once the suspect’s general location was identified, deputies initiated a surveillance operation in the area, with the assistance of several other law enforcement agencies. On April 5, the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department announced the aforementioned suspect was apprehended, and at press conference on Friday, April 19, he was identified as Hernandez-Ruiz following his arraignment.

Alek Haak-Frost is executive editor and publisher of Watershed Voice.