CRIME BLOTTER: 4/16/25 - 4/25/25

All individuals listed in this blotter are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The information presented is based on public records and does not imply guilt or conviction.

How Cases Are Selected for the Crime Blotter:

Our goal with the crime blotter is to keep the community informed about incidents that may impact public safety. We provide relevant and informative updates while respecting privacy and focusing on matters of broader public safety concern. Information is shared regarding a range of criminal activity that occurs within the Del Rio Texas jurisdiction, but not all arrests are included.

Types of incidents generally excluded from the blotter:

• Juvenile Arrests: To protect the privacy of minors (individuals aged 17 and under), juvenile arrest records are never included in the blotter. Cases involving teenage adults (individuals aged 18 and 19) are thoroughly reviewed and only included if a serious crime was committed and if significant evidence has been provided to support the allegations.

• Intoxication Offenses: Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), Driving Under the Influence (DUI), and Public Intoxication (PI) fall under this category. While these are serious offenses, they are generally not included in the blotter unless circumstances suggest a significant threat to the community that extends beyond intoxication.

• Warrant Services: Local and non-local warrant service charges involve arrests for crimes committed in the past. Arrest records for warrant service do not normally include information regarding the original crime or outstanding charges. Since most details around the warrant service are not specified in police reports, those cases are excluded from the blotter.

• Domestic Disputes: A domestic dispute is generally defined as conflict between individuals who have a close relationship, typically within a household or family setting. Due to the sensitive nature and privacy concerns surrounding domestic disputes, and to protect the identity of the victims and their families, these incidents are usually not included in the blotter.

It's important to note that there may be exceptions to these exclusions. If the severity of an alleged crime suggests a significant and immediate threat to the safety and well-being of the community, we may include it in the blotter, even one that typically falls into the excluded categories. In these cases, we will carefully weigh the public interest in providing information against the need to protect individuals involved, and we will exclude sensitive details as much as possible.

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Ruben Santana Ochoa

4/16/25 4:07PM (Wednesday)

Ruben Santana Ochoa, Male, Age 34

Ochoa is shown here, after admitting to the Del Rio Police Department that he intentionally set fire to a family member’s home. On April 16, DRPD and Del Rio Fire & Rescue were dispatched to a house fire on Aduna Street, in a quiet neighborhood off River Road. In the minutes prior to police arrival, the home had already been evacuated, no bodily injuries were reported.

DRPD incident report states Ochoa, “stated he purposely set the house on fire.” Allegedly, Ochoa admitted the crime to police, at the scene of the crime, in front of his family members, in front of their burnt property. Ochoa’s admission initiated a “disturbance between family members on-scene,” according to police. The officers intervened, separated the parties, and detained Ochoa. Field sobriety tests were conducted on Ochoa; he did not pass. Officers conducted further investigation, and Ochoa was charged with Felony 2 Arson. Second-degree felony Arson in Texas is punishable by 2 to 20 years' imprisonment and/or fine up to $10,000. This type of felony is assigned when a person starts a fire or causes an explosion with the intent to destroy or damage a building with intent to “recklessly endanger life or property.”

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Pablo Rodriguez - No mugshot was available, but his physical description is a 5’5” white Hispanic male “stocky” 225 pounds, with a cross tattoo on his neck.

4/25/25 8:38AM (Friday) 

Pablo Rodriguez, Male, Age 37

Rodriguez had 4 arrest offenses included on his report: aggravated kidnapping, unlawful restraint, misdemeanor assault, and unauthorized use of vehicle. However, upon further review of the case, officers decided to charge Rodriguez with just one offense, “Unauthorized Use of Vehicle.” It is a felony charge with a maximum penalty of 2 years in jail. The dropped offenses included charges that could have resulted in life in prison.

Rodriguez was arrested in response to a “walk in report at the Del Rio Police department for an assault that had already occurred,” according to DRPD incident report. Allegedly, Rodriguez assaulted a female and then “had taken [unauthorized] possession of her vehicle.” Unauthorized Use of Vehicle (UUMV) is different than Automotive Theft, due to intent. UUMV suggests the perpetrator had intent to return the vehicle, or the vehicle was returned quickly in good condition.  

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At Connect Del Rio, our commitment is to report on the events that genuinely shape and affect our community. We announce the return of the Blotter, with a renewed focus on significant crimes—those that have the greatest impact on public safety and well-being. This updated approach seeks to highlight major, high-profile incidents, with the intention of informing the public, fostering accountability, and ultimately contributing to a safer community for all. Through clear, fact-based reporting, we hope to encourage constructive dialogue and a deeper understanding of the realities facing Del Rio.