Del Rio Police Department press release —
On Dec. 14, 2025, at approximately 3:30 p.m., the Del Rio Police Department responded to a residence in the 700 block of East 14th Street following a report of a deceased individual inside an attic.
Upon arrival, officers made contact with the resident, Gerald Castellanos, who had made multiple false report calls regarding the incident. Castellanos was accompanied by his girlfriend, Laretta Lu Villarreal. Both claimed they had seen a body in the attic and demanded officers remove it. Police were familiar with both individuals due to a documented history of making false reports to 911 operators.
As officers investigated, it was determined the report was unfounded. Castellanos was advised he was under arrest for false report to induce an emergency response, at which point he became upset and physically resisted officers as they attempted to place him in handcuffs.
During Castellanos’ detention, Villarreal attempted to physically interfere. She pulled away from officers and struck one officer in the rib area, causing pain. Officers deployed a department-issued Taser to subdue Villarreal. Castellanos was also subdued and handcuffed without further incident.
Officers conducted a thorough check of the residence and confirmed there was no deceased individual present. The interior of the home was found to be clear.
Both individuals were transported to the police station for processing and later booked into the GEO Correctional Facility.
Castellanos, 45, was charged with false report to induce an emergency response and resisting arrest, search or transportation.
Villarreal, 48, was charged with assault on a public servant and resisting arrest, search or transportation.
