Ruben Ferrer
Hispanic male
Age at time: 48
Weapon: none
unharmed
Defendant photo: Miami-Dade Police Department, 2011
Case type:
Robbery
Location:
Public
Initiator:
Victim
Witnesses:
No
Case year:
2011
Location details: On a public sidewalk near the defendant's home in Miami, Miami-Dade County, on April 22, 2011
What happened: It was 2 a.m. when Ruben Ferrer was walking home after getting jumper cables to help start a friend's car. He was approached by drunk man asking for a cigarette. According to Ferrer, when he said no, the man threatened him, blocked his way and reached for a knife in his waistband. Ferrer punched him, took the knife and ran away, only to be picked up by a Miami police officer, searched and arrested when a marijuana cigarette was found. Ferrer's attorney argued for immunity in an attempt to suppress the evidence of the marijuana. Ferrer's public defender argued that he was standing his ground and should never have been arrested, therefore the police search was illegal.
The outcome: Case remained pending in April 2012.
Investigating agency: Miami Police
Case decision made by: Judge
Trayvon Martin’s death became controversial because circumstances leading up to the shooting cast doubt on who was to blame. The Tampa Bay Times reviewed other “stand your ground” cases for similar circumstances. The Times relied on available information, some of which may not tell the whole story. When the situation was unclear, that was noted.
| Yes | No | Unclear/ disputed |
|
|---|---|---|---|
Did the victim initiate the confrontation? |
 |
||
Was the victim armed? |
|
||
Was the victim committing a crime that led to the confrontation? |
|
||
Did the defendant pursue the victim? |
|
||
Could the defendant have retreated to avoid the conflict? |
|
||
Was the defendant on his or her property? |
|
||
Did someone witness the attack? |
|
||
Was there physical evidence? |
|
Source: Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court, Miami-Dade County, May 13, 2011.
Source: Miami-Dade County Clerk, May 13, 2011.
Click here for more information about how we compiled these cases. Know of something we missed or have a photo to share? Submit a case here.
Case last updated: July 3, 2012
