On March 4, 2026, at approximately 9:59 P.M., Saint Paul Officers responded to the 1400 block of Minnehaha Avenue East, Saint Paul, County of Ramsey, on a disconnected 911 call. Officers arrived and met DJR, who spoke Spanish. DJR told officers that she has been in a relationship with SAUL HERRERA CASTILLO, [DOB REDACTED], for approximately three years. They broke up about nine months ago, but he is unhappy that they are not together. Earlier in the night, she was walking home when she noticed HERRERA CASTILLO following her.
He did not say anything to her, but followed her to her apartment and went inside behind her. He began to argue with her about their break up. His behavior escalated and he was aggressive. She told him she was going to call the police. HERRERA CASTILLO responded that she should not call police or she knew what would happen. They were in her bedroom. She dialed 911 and the call was ringing, but he pushed her back to the bed. Her phone fell out of her hand. HERRERA CASTILLO grabbed her around the throat with one hand and covered her mouth with the other.
HERRERA CASTILLO saw that she called police. He told her he was going to kill her as he applied pressure to her throat and mouth. She started to see stars and felt like she could not breathe. She kicked him and started screaming. She felt helpless and thought HERRERA CASTILLO was going to kill her. He let her go. She told him the police would find out what he did. HERRERA CASTILLO left the apartment and said she was not going to have the satisfaction of seeing him in jail. DJR said her voice sounded raspier than usual, and she had pain in her neck while swallowing saliva.
DJR requested medics to evaluate her. While officers spoke to DJR, she said HERRERA CASTILLO texted and called her. DJR gave officers HERRERA CASTILLO’s phone number. Officers called his phone and followed the ring tone. Officers found HERRERA CASTILLO on the first floor of the building. He was taken into custody.
