A 26-year-old El Paso man is behind bars after deputies say he trailed a person to their home, damaged property, and then used a drone to keep tabs on the residence. The early-morning disturbance came in as a family-violence call, and county officials say the suspect was arrested without incident and now faces multiple criminal charges.
What deputies say happened
According to KFOX, deputies headed out Saturday morning after the victim reported being followed home, having property damaged, and dealing with prior incidents that left them afraid for their safety. Investigators reviewed surveillance footage that allegedly showed the suspect using a drone to monitor the home. Deputies later located 26-year-old Cristobal Gonzalez and took him into custody without the use of force.
Detectives executed a search warrant on Gonzalez’s vehicle and, according to officials, recovered a drone and controller. Gonzalez was booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility on stalking, theft of property, and criminal trespass charges, with his total bond set at $27,000.
Drones as a growing tool for harassment
The Department of Justice has warned that consumer drones are increasingly popping up in criminal cases, turning what is usually a hobby gadget into a public-safety headache. In a DOJ press release, federal prosecutors pointed to investigations where drones were used to smuggle contraband or menace victims, and even cases involving explosive devices dropped from unmanned aircraft.
Those national examples underscore how relatively cheap drone technology can be repurposed to harass or intimidate people, a trend that local law enforcement officials say they are watching closely as drones become more common in neighborhoods.
What the charges mean in Texas
Gonzalez is facing state charges that can carry serious penalties under Texas law if prosecutors move forward. Stalking is defined in Texas Penal Code §42.072 and is generally treated as a felony-level offense. The statute can be enhanced if the defendant has prior convictions, and courts may also issue protective orders to help shield victims.
For the exact statute language and a breakdown of potential penalties, see the Texas Legislature.
Next steps
Gonzalez remains in custody at the El Paso County Detention Facility while the case moves through the criminal system. Upcoming court filings will determine whether prosecutors seek a formal indictment, and future public records will reveal scheduled hearings and whether any additional charges are added.
