LINCOLN, NE – Balmore Hernandez-Castro, 24, learned a harsh lesson in resisting the law today, drawing a 30-month federal prison sentence for assaulting two Department of Homeland Security deportation officers. U.S. District Court Judge John M. Gerrard handed down the sentence, with no chance of parole, followed by two years of supervised release. Once Hernandez-Castro completes his time, he’ll be deported back to El Salvador.
The July 12, 2021, incident unfolded after the officers located Hernandez-Castro and attempted to execute a valid arrest warrant. Spotting him leaving his Lincoln home, they initiated a traffic stop just blocks away. Instead of complying, Hernandez-Castro immediately began to fight, refusing to exit the vehicle. What followed was a brutal struggle, where Hernandez-Castro allegedly unleashed a barrage of attacks – punching, kicking, and even biting the officers attempting to take him into custody.
The situation quickly escalated, requiring backup. A frantic 911 call brought officers from the Lincoln Police Department to the scene within minutes. Even with the added manpower, Hernandez-Castro continued to resist, forcing officers to deploy a Taser before he was finally subdued and arrested. The scene was chaotic, a clear demonstration of Hernandez-Castro’s refusal to accept lawful detainment.
Hernandez-Castro pleaded guilty to the assault charge on September 21, 2022, acknowledging his violent actions. United States Attorney Steven Russell didn’t mince words, stating the sentence reflects the seriousness of attacking federal law enforcement. “Assaulting officers is a grave offense that will not be tolerated,” a source within the USAO office told Grimy Times. “These officers put themselves in harm’s way every day, and we will vigorously prosecute anyone who attempts to injure them.”
The investigation wasn’t solely handled by the responding officers. Agents with Homeland Security Investigations conducted follow-up work, solidifying the case against Hernandez-Castro. The Lincoln Police Department’s swift response and assistance were also crucial in bringing the situation under control and ensuring the safety of all involved. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officials daily.
With Hernandez-Castro’s sentence handed down and deportation pending, the case is closed. However, the incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by immigration and law enforcement agencies in dealing with individuals who actively resist arrest and pose a threat to officer safety. The Grimy Times will continue to follow federal crime trends and report on cases like this, holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
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Key Facts
- State: Nebraska
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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