5-Year-Old Boy Killed, Toddler Severely Injured in Arlington Knife Attack; Father Charged With Capital Murder

ARLINGTON, Texas - A 5-year-old boy was killed and his 2-year-old brother was severely injured in an apparent knife attack at an Arlington apartment after their father led police on a pursuit along Interstate 30, according to the Arlington Police Department.

Heyco Cruz Linares, 27, was arrested and charged with capital murder, evading and making a terroristic threat against a peace officer. Police said additional charges are pending as investigators continue examining the case.

The Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office identified the child who died as 5-year-old Keiler Cruz-Guerra.

The series of events began at approximately 11:50 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, when an Arlington officer was parked at a gas station in the 1400 block of N. Cooper Street.

Police said Cruz Linares pulled up next to the officer's patrol vehicle, got out and immediately struck the driver's side window with a knife.

The officer backed out of the parking space and moved away before activating his emergency lights and getting out of his vehicle. According to police, the officer repeatedly ordered Cruz Linares to drop the knife, but he instead returned to his vehicle and drove toward I-30.

The officer attempted to stop him, and a pursuit followed.

With assistance from Grand Prairie police, officers stopped Cruz Linares' vehicle on I-30 near NW 7th Street and took him into custody.

During his arrest, police said Cruz Linares made statements indicating he had killed his children at their Arlington apartment.

Officers determined the apartment was in the 1600 block of S. Cooper Street and immediately responded to the residence. Inside, they found two young boys suffering from wounds consistent with a knife attack, according to police.

Both children were rushed to a hospital. Keiler later died from his injuries. The 2-year-old remained hospitalized Thursday and was listed in stable condition.

Cruz Linares was booked into the Arlington City Jail.