HORIZON CITY, Texas — A 26-year-old man is facing serious legal repercussions after allegedly stalking his former girlfriend, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer. Cristobal Gonzalez was arrested following a series of troubling incidents that unfolded on May 23, which investigators say involved both domestic violence and the use of a drone.
Authorities reported the initial call to be a family violence incident at around 7:40 a.m. at a residence on Paseo Modesto Drive. When deputies arrived, they learned the complainant was a federal officer and had armed herself out of fear for her safety. Despite the alarming circumstances, Gonzalez had already left the scene. The victim, visibly shaken and in her CBP uniform, communicated her fears of escalating threats from Gonzalez, who no longer lived with her but shares a child with her.
The situation escalated when the woman returned home from work. After picking up her son from West El Paso, she discovered Gonzalez’s car parked outside her residence. Concerned for her safety, she managed to close the garage door before he could enter. However, deputies reported that Gonzalez subsequently approached her front door, knocked multiple times, and even removed a Ring doorbell camera mounted on the house. Alarmed and fearing for her life, the woman called 911, barricaded herself and her child in a bedroom, and secured her issued firearm.
Video evidence unveiled later by deputies revealed Gonzalez’s activities that morning, including footage of him removing the doorbell camera and allegedly using a drone to surveil the property. Investigators noted that the drone had not been visible prior to his arrival and suspected it was utilized to stalk the woman. Surveillance footage was reported to show him operating the drone around her home, raising serious concerns about his intentions.
This incident marks a troubling pattern in Gonzalez’s behavior, as prior calls regarding domestic disputes involving the couple were noted in court documents. A previous encounter on March 3 had been classified as a verbal altercation, but the woman indicated an ongoing history of threats and violence that made her feel unsafe. The current allegations were seen not just as a single confrontation but part of a broader, alarming cycle of behavior.
After locating Gonzalez at a different residence shortly after the incident, deputies found both the drone and its controller in his vehicle. Upon contact, Gonzalez reportedly emptied his pockets and stated, “I already know,” before being handcuffed. Once in custody, he invoked his rights, indicating he would not make further statements during questioning.
In a concerning remark made while detained, Gonzalez allegedly expressed a disdain for legal consequences, stating, “I’ll be back, the laws are pointless.” This comment heightened concerns regarding his intentions following the arrest. Meanwhile, the victim has sought an emergency protective order amid fears for her safety, although it remains unclear whether a judge granted this request.
Gonzalez was booked on several charges, including stalking, theft of property, and criminal trespass. Initially, his bond was set at $27,000, but after a hearing on May 25, it was reduced to $15,000. After posting bail, he was released on the same day. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 1, where further developments and decisions regarding the case will be determined.
As the investigation continues, authorities have emphasized the seriousness of domestic violence in situations involving children and prior allegations. The use of a drone adds a disturbing dimension to the case, spotlighting the potential dangers of technology in stalking and harassment scenarios. The victim’s safety remains a top priority as the legal process unfolds.