Raymond Cruz, the actor best known for his portrayal of violent drug lord Tuco Salamanca in AMC’s Breaking Bad, was arrested Monday, September 8, 2025, on suspicion of misdemeanor battery following an altercation outside his Los Angeles home. The incident, which involved a garden hose and a dispute over parking, led to the actor being taken into custody by LAPD officers before being released hours later.
The arrest occurred around 10:40 a.m. in the Silver Lake neighborhood, where Cruz was washing his car in front of his residence. According to law enforcement, a dispute erupted between the actor and a group of women, culminating in allegations that Cruz intentionally sprayed them with water. The LAPD confirmed Cruz was arrested and processed, though he was released on his own recognizance later that afternoon. A court hearing has been scheduled for October 1.
What Led to the Incident
The situation began when Cruz was washing his car outside his Silver Lake home. A minivan with three women parked extremely close to his vehicle. Cruz’s talent agent, Raphael Berko, stated that the van was parked only “a half an inch” from his bumper. Cruz asked the women to move their vehicle to give him more space, but they refused. He also warned them that their car might get wet if they did not move.
While Cruz continued washing his car, the women began filming him. He turned around and asked them to stop recording. At that moment, water from the hose splashed onto the minivan. The women claimed it was intentional, while Cruz’s agent said it was accidental.
“When he turned around to tell them to stop filming him, he was still hosing his car. And some of the water from his hose hit the front of his car and spilled on their car,” said Berko.
One of the women called the police, leading to Cruz’s arrest.
The Arrest and Release
The Los Angeles Police Department responded to the scene and arrested Cruz on suspicion of misdemeanor battery. He was taken into custody but treated respectfully by officers. After five hours at the police station, he was released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to appear in court on October 1, 2025, though no formal charges have been filed yet.
In cases like this, the city attorney often holds an office hearing instead of pursuing criminal charges. The accused may be given a warning or asked to take anger management classes in exchange for dropping the case.
“Raymond is very grateful to all of the LAPD personnel at the police department because throughout the five hours of him being in their jail, the LAPD were all very, very gracious and nice to him and reassuring,” Berko mentioned.
Who Is Raymond Cruz?
Raymond Cruz is a 60-year-old actor who grew up in East Los Angeles. He is widely recognized for his role as the unpredictable drug lord Tuco Salamanca in Breaking Bad and its prequel Better Call Saul. He also played Detective Julio Sanchez in The Closer and Major Crimes for over a decade.
Cruz has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including Training Day, Clear and Present Danger, and The Rock. Despite often playing tough characters, he has no prior criminal record. His agent emphasized that Cruz has always been a law-abiding citizen and strong supporter of the police.
Response from Cruz’s Camp
Cruz’s agent, Raphael Berko, defended the actor, calling the incident a misunderstanding. He stated that the women were not from the neighborhood and seemed to be harassing Cruz. He also emphasized that the water splashing was not intentional.
“Raymond is happy this is done with. He is a big supporter of law enforcement and has no criminal history whatsoever. He has no idea who these women are or why they were harassing him in front of his own home while he was trying to wash a car.”
Fans of Cruz expressed surprise over the incident, given his long-standing role as a police detective on television. Many took to social media to joke about the situation, with some referencing his infamous Breaking Bad character.
What Happens Next?
Cruz is expected to appear in court on October 1. Since this is a minor incident, it is likely that the case will be resolved without formal charges. The city attorney may offer an alternative resolution, such as community service or anger management courses.
Despite the arrest, Cruz continues to work in the entertainment industry. He recently appeared in the 2023 film Medellin and the TV series Mayans M.C. He also reprised his role as Tuco Salamanca in a Super Bowl commercial for PopCorners in 2023.
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Credits: Wikipedia, The Daily Beast, ABC7
