Waco Man Arrested for Threatening to Kill Son and Police Officer

Cruz Ray Castillo Sr. faces retaliation charges after domestic disturbance incident

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:35pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police handcuff against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the physical evidence of a crime in a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A recent wave of domestic violence incidents in Waco has led to increased scrutiny of how law enforcement responds to threats of retaliation.Waco Today

A 46-year-old Waco man, Cruz Ray Castillo Sr., was arrested and charged with retaliation and retaliation against a public servant after allegedly threatening to kill his son and a police officer following a domestic disturbance incident earlier this month.

Why it matters

Threats of violence against family members and law enforcement officers are taken very seriously, as they can escalate into dangerous situations that put public safety at risk. This case highlights the importance of addressing domestic disputes through proper legal channels to prevent further escalation.

The details

According to the arrest affidavit, police responded to a call on March 14 about a domestic disturbance at Castillo's home. Castillo had allegedly come home intoxicated and began destroying property in front of his family. When his son tried to intervene to protect his mother, Castillo allegedly charged at his son, prompting the son to punch Castillo several times to stop him. After police took Castillo to the hospital for examination, he allegedly made numerous threats that if his son wasn't arrested, he would kill him. When told his son would not be arrested, Castillo allegedly became agitated and threatened to 'one up' and 'pop' the police officer, as well as break the officer's nose.

  • On March 14, police responded to a domestic disturbance call at Castillo's home.
  • Castillo was arrested on retaliation charges on Sunday, March 30.

The players

Cruz Ray Castillo Sr.

A 46-year-old Waco resident who was arrested and charged with retaliation and retaliation against a public servant following a domestic disturbance incident.

Castillo's son

The son of Cruz Ray Castillo Sr. who intervened to protect his mother during the domestic disturbance and was allegedly threatened by his father.

Waco Police Officer

The police officer who Castillo allegedly threatened to 'one up' and 'pop' after the domestic disturbance incident.

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What they’re saying

“I'm going to one up on you”

— Cruz Ray Castillo Sr.

“I'm going to pop your ass”

— Cruz Ray Castillo Sr.

“I'm going to break your nose”

— Cruz Ray Castillo Sr.

What’s next

Castillo was released from jail on $50,000 bond. The retaliation charges he faces are third-degree felonies punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

The takeaway

This case highlights the serious consequences of making threats of violence, especially against family members and law enforcement. It underscores the importance of addressing domestic disputes through proper legal channels to prevent further escalation and protect public safety.