The State : Man Claims $9.2 Million

A heavy equipment mechanic calmly strolled into a Barstow convenience store to validate a state lottery ticket entitling him to $9.2 million. Eddie Ruiz, who works at the Marine Corps Logistics Base near the desert city, purchased his winning ticket from a Circle K Food Store. “He came in here and was all calm,” store manager Julie Jimenez said. “He started to get excited after I did. He just threw his arms up in the air and said, ‘I’m the next millionaire.’ ” Ruiz, who has worked at the base for 12 years, grew up in Barstow. He is married and has two daughters. Marty Ulibarri, Ruiz’s supervisor, said Ruiz told him he plans to keep his job and will be back at work on Monday.