Man who attacked deputy on freeway pleads

A man who tried to crash into an off-duty sheriff's deputy on the Century Freeway has pleaded no contest to an assault with a deadly weapon charge, prosecutors said Friday. Jose Antonio Ruiz, 20, changed his plea on Wednesday and was sentenced to five years probation and 81 days in jail, which is equivalent to the time he's spent in custody, according to Sandi Gibbons, a spokeswoman for the District Attorney's Office.

As part of his plea deal, a count of assault on a peace officer was dismissed. Ruiz must also perform 100 hours of community service, Gibbons said.

The Inglewood man pulled in front of the deputy on the eastbound 105 freeway, then hit the brakes, early on April 1. The deputy believed he hit the car and stopped at the shoulder. Ruiz also stopped and attacked the deputy with a knife, according to sheriff's investigators. He was shot by the deputy in the upper body.