Port Arthur Police Catch Stalker After Covert Operation

On August 8th and 13th, the Port Arthur Police Department received calls from a 39-year-old single mother regarding a prowler on her property. Despite officers’ efforts, the suspect could not be located during their initial responses.

The victim, who expressed significant concern for her and her children’s safety, communicated her fears to Detective Barboza. On August 13th, the detective installed a security camera at the victim’s residence and initiated a covert operation to catch the prowler.

On August 14th, the security camera captured footage of the suspect, Nestor Daniel Castro Cruz, a co-worker who had become obsessed with the victim, peering through the bathroom and bedroom windows of the residence. The victim identified Cruz after reviewing the footage.

On the same day, the victim reported hearing knocking on her front door, prompting Detective Barboza to move the security camera. Shortly thereafter, the camera went offline. At approximately 12:30 a.m. on August 15th, the victim contacted the detective, reporting that Cruz was on her front porch and then spotted at her bedroom window.

Officers, who had been pre-positioned in the area, immediately responded to the residence. They located Cruz hiding in the shrubbery within the victim’s fenced yard. Cruz was arrested without resistance. During the investigation, it was discovered that Cruz had left a birthday cake and money on the front porch for the victim. He admitted to being obsessed with her and confessed to cutting the security camera’s wire.

Cruz was transported to the Jefferson County Correctional Facility and booked for Stalking (3rd Felony) and Criminal Mischief (B Misdemeanor). The Port Arthur Police Department commended Detective Barboza and Officer Lopez for their dedication and effective handling of the case, highlighting that this was not the first time Detective Barboza had used security cameras to catch suspects in the act.