Actor Raymond Cruz, Famous for Playing Tuco Salamanca in Breaking Bad, Arrested After Garden Hose Dispute in Los Angeles Neighborhood
The news that broke this week about actor Raymond Cruz came as a surprise to fans who remember him for his unforgettable role as Tuco Salamanca in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. Known on screen for his explosive energy and unpredictable violence, Cruz has long been admired in real life for being the complete opposite of the character that made him famous. That’s why his arrest in Los Angeles quickly drew attention and headlines, even though the incident itself was far from the kind of drama his fans might imagine.
According to reports from the Los Angeles Police Department, the 60-year-old actor was arrested in the Silver Lake neighborhood on the morning of September 8, 2025. Cruz had been outside his home, washing his car, when a dispute developed between him and three women who were parked nearby. Police say the argument escalated when Cruz allegedly sprayed water from his garden hose in the direction of one of the women. The woman then made what is called a private person’s complaint, which legally allows an arrest to be made if an individual believes they were assaulted or battered. Cruz was taken into custody around 10:40 a.m. and booked on suspicion of misdemeanor battery.
He was released on his own recognizance after roughly two hours in custody, and no charges have been filed yet. A court date has been set for October 1, where the city attorney’s office will decide whether to pursue the case further. In Los Angeles, misdemeanor battery cases often end with negotiations, dismissals, or minor penalties, but the attention on this case is magnified because of Cruz’s fame and the enduring popularity of the Breaking Bad franchise.
Cruz’s longtime agent, Raphael Berko, has strongly denied that any crime was committed, calling the accusation “outrageous.” Berko explained that the women had parked so close to Cruz’s bumper that he could barely move around his vehicle. Despite his repeated requests for them to reposition, they refused. According to Berko, when Cruz turned while holding the hose, some water splashed onto their van, prompting the women to begin filming him. From his perspective, it was an accident blown out of proportion. Cruz himself has emphasized that he has never had any legal troubles before and went out of his way to thank the LAPD officers who treated him respectfully during his short time in custody.
The situation has left many of his fans divided. Some have expressed shock that he could be arrested over what seems like such a minor dispute, while others are waiting for the court to clarify the facts. What is clear is that the story resonates because it involves an actor so closely associated with an intimidating and dangerous character, when in real life, Cruz has spent decades quietly working in television and film with no scandals attached to his name. His work in The Closer, Major Crimes, and numerous guest roles across network television helped cement his reputation as a versatile and professional actor, admired by colleagues and audiences alike.
As of now, Raymond Cruz remains free, and the case is still in its earliest stages. With no charges filed, it is possible the matter could be resolved quickly, but his upcoming October 1 court date will be the next moment to watch. For Cruz, whose career has spanned more than three decades, the hope is that this chapter will not overshadow the hard work and professionalism that have defined him. And for fans, it is a reminder that the line between screen and real life is not always as dramatic as it seems.
