On March 4, 2026, officers responded to a residence in the City of Inver Grove Heights, County of Dakota, State of Minnesota. Officers learned and later confirmed, that an eyewitness saw Ricardo Jose Hidalgo, [DOB REDACTED], defendant herein, assaulting his wife, Victim herein, outside of the residence. Eyewitnesses saw defendant drag Victim [NAME REDACTED]. Upon arrival, officers witnessed defendant’s 8-year-old child, [name withheld — minor] A herein, exiting the residence. Child A told officers, “My dad is crazy.” Officers located defendant outside with three adult females including Victim.
Officers immediately observed Victim had injuries to her neck and a bloody lip. While in their vehicle, Victim stated that defendant accused her of cheating. Defendant punched her in the face. After returning to the apartment, defendant strangled her in the bedroom. Victim [NAME REDACTED]. Victim was losing consciousness and saw stars. Defendant threw her into a closet door. Victim left with Child A to a nearby apartment. Defendant returned to the nearby apartment intoxicated. Defendant strangled Victim again.
Child A attempted to intervene. Defendant strangled Child A. Defendant then led Victim out of the apartment while threatening to kill her. Child A later confirmed he could not breathe, felt like he was going unconscious, and had nausea as a result of the strangulation. Child A stated defendant strangled him against a wall and that he was scared. Officers spoke with defendant’s mother. His mother confirmed she witnessed defendant grab Victim [NAME REDACTED]. Officers spoke to a resident of the second apartment.
The resident stated defendant threatened to hurt her if he would not let him into the apartment. Defendant eventually entered. The resident stated defendant repeatedly called Victim names, strangled her, and pushed her into walls. The resident also witnessed defendant strangle Child A. Victim [NAME REDACTED] interior camera footage from her residence. The footage shows defendant strangling Victim. 3 19HA-CR-26-321 Filed in District Court State of Minnesota 3/6/2026 Officers documented property damage throughout the residence.
Defendant was placed under arrest.
