City of Del Rio Police Department press release
On March 5th, 2025, at approximately 1:19 P.M. the Del Rio Police Department responded to the Plaza Del Sol Mall parking lot
located at 2205 Veterans Blvd. for an unattended toddler inside a truck.
The Del Rio Police Communication Division informed officers the vehicle was parked in front of the Burlington Store. The license plate and vehicle description were provided to the responding officers.
Upon arrival officers located the vehicle occupied by an unattended child. The child was awake and was sitting unsecured inside a car seat. The vehicle doors were unlocked, and the engine was running with the keys in the ignition. Officers attempted to speak with the child, but she was too young to communicate.
At approximately 1:28 p.m. a female identified as Erika Mariana Cruz; 35 yrs. of age walked out of the store and approached the officers. Cruz told police she entered the mall to use the restroom and left the child sleeping inside the vehicle. Cruz also shopped around the Burlington store and was in line to pay for merchandise, when she decided to exit the line and return to her vehicle. Evidence at the scene revealed Cruz entered the store at approximately 1:02 p.m.
Cruz was arrested for the offense of Abandon / Endanger a Child with Intent to Return. Cruz was transported to the police station where she was processed and was later released into the custody of GEO Correctional Facility
