Deputies search for missing puppy after suspect allegedly threw dog during arrest
By Felix Cortez
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SALINAS, Calif. (KSBW) — Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies are asking for the public’s help in finding a small puppy that went missing after a violent takedown involving deputies and a wanted man.
“Money” is missing — a 6-month-old female Doberman mix that was involved in the encounter.
“They’re concerned for its safety — that it may be injured. Unfortunately, we don’t know; we don’t know where it is,” said Andres Rosas, a spokesperson for the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies say they recognized Orlando Martinez walking in the Bolsa Knolls area, north of Salinas. Martinez was wanted for a probation violation, but when deputies moved in to arrest him, he fled on foot while holding the small dog.
“When he fled, he had the dog in his hands, and during that foot pursuit, he did turn and threw the dog at one of our deputies. The dog did yelp, and we assume it hit the ground,” Rosas said.
Martinez was arrested, but Money couldn’t be found, and she hasn’t returned home. There is growing concern she might be injured, lost, or hungry.
“These inquiries that we’re getting are not just from the Salinas area — they are stretching as far away as Santa Cruz. We’ve received other inquiries from people online, comments being made expressing their concern for this dog,” Rosas said.
Deputies made it clear the dog does not belong to the man arrested. Neighbors near Penzance and Pingree streets in Bolsa Knolls are being told to keep an eye out for the missing puppy and take her to a shelter if found.
“So that they can ensure that the dog is taken care of. Just in case it has any injuries, they can give it a once-over, and then part of their procedures is usually to talk to the owner and ensure that the dog is going back into a safe environment,” Rosas added.
As for Martinez, the man accused of throwing Money at deputies, he’s being held on a no-bail hold for the probation violation. Deputies will request animal cruelty charges be filed against him, along with resisting arrest.
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