Two Laredo Firefighters Arrested in Separate Weekend Incidents

One charged with domestic violence, the other with DWI

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:18pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of handcuffed wrists against a dark background, conceptually illustrating the arrest of public servants accused of criminal behavior.The arrests of two Laredo firefighters in separate criminal incidents raise concerns about accountability and misconduct within the city's public safety agencies.Laredo Today

The Laredo Police Department reported that two local firefighters were arrested in separate criminal incidents over the weekend. Carlos Zapata, 27, was charged with continuous violence against a family member, a third-degree felony, while Eleuterio Liendo Jr., 27, was charged with driving while intoxicated.

Why it matters

The arrests of two public safety officials in the same city over a single weekend raises concerns about potential misconduct and lack of accountability within the local fire department. These incidents could undermine public trust in first responders and lead to calls for greater oversight and disciplinary measures.

The details

According to police, on Friday evening, the Special Victims Unit served an arrest warrant on Carlos Zapata for reports of family violence. Zapata was charged with continuous violence against the family, a third-degree felony. He was held on $30,000 bond. In a separate incident early Saturday morning, officers said Eleuterio Liendo Jr. nearly collided with a patrol car and was subsequently charged with driving while intoxicated. Liendo was released the same day after posting $1,500 bail.

  • The first incident occurred on Friday evening, April 10, 2026.
  • The second incident took place early Saturday morning, April 11, 2026, around 3:07 a.m.

The players

Carlos Zapata

A 27-year-old Laredo firefighter who was arrested and charged with continuous violence against a family member, a third-degree felony.

Eleuterio Liendo Jr.

A 27-year-old Laredo firefighter who was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated.

Laredo Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that reported and investigated the separate incidents involving the two firefighters.

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The takeaway

These arrests of two Laredo firefighters in separate criminal incidents over a single weekend raise serious concerns about potential misconduct and lack of accountability within the local fire department. The incidents could undermine public trust in first responders and lead to calls for greater oversight and disciplinary measures to ensure high standards of conduct among public safety officials.