Raymond Cruz, the actor who brought Tuco Salamanca’s unpredictable rage to life on Breaking Bad, is now facing legal trouble off-screen.
According to TMZ, the 63-year-old was arrested in Los Angeles after an incident outside his home that allegedly left a neighbor’s daughter soaked by a garden hose.
Police reports reveal that the confrontation happened while Cruz was washing his car in the Silver Lake area.
He allegedly asked the young woman to step aside, but when she didn’t, the complaint claims he turned the hose on her. Officers were called to the scene, and Cruz was booked on suspicion of misdemeanor battery.
Cruz was taken into custody, processed, and released later that day on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to appear before the L.A. City Attorney’s office on October 1.
At this point, no formal charges have been filed. Cases of this nature often result in office hearings where the accused may receive a warning or be asked to complete a diversion program such as anger management rather than face prosecution.
The actor has not issued a public statement regarding the arrest.
Cruz’s career spans more than three decades, though he’s most recognizable as Tuco, one of the most volatile villains in Vince Gilligan’s Breaking Bad universe. He reprised the role in Better Call Saul and became a fan favorite for his unhinged energy.
Outside of the franchise, Cruz was a series regular on The Closer and Major Crimes, logging over 200 combined episodes. His résumé also includes appearances in Training Day, My Name Is Earl, and Grey’s Anatomy.
In a twist of irony, this isn’t the first time a hose has made headlines connected to Breaking Bad. According to NME, Joanne Quintana, who owns the Albuquerque house used as Walter White’s family home, recently admitted she has resorted to spraying water at fans who trespass on her property to snap photos.
The City Attorney will decide how the case proceeds next month.