VICTOR MARTINEZ charged after puppy falls from moving pickup truck onto pavement and concrete sidewalk
- Texas, USA -
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of 64-year-old VICTOR MARTINEZ (pictured).
According to a press release issued by the Sheriff’s Office, on October 3, 2026, deputies saw a German Shepherd puppy being transported unsecured in the bed of a Chevrolet Silverado traveling northbound in the 400 block of South Darrington Road near Horizon City.
At one point, deputies witnessed the puppy fall from the moving pickup truck. The Sheriff’s Office shared a video of the incident showing the puppy striking the pavement and concrete sidewalk after falling from the vehicle.
According to the press release, deputies immediately stopped to assist the puppy, who “displayed visible injuries and signs of pain following the impact.”
Deputies investigated the incident and identified MARTINEZ as the driver of the pickup truck.
An affidavit alleges that MARTINEZ told deputies the puppy “needed to learn.”
According to the affidavit, the six-month-old puppy struck the pavement and sidewalk face-first before going motionless. When the puppy regained consciousness, he cried and appeared to be in pain. A sheriff’s lieutenant reported that the puppy had bloody injuries and abrasions to his face, nose, and right hind leg. The puppy also appeared to struggle to stand and sit.
The affidavit also stated that an on-call Animal Welfare officer who examined the puppy reported that he might have suffered hip injuries or a hip displacement and required X-rays.
According to the documents, investigators said MARTINEZ’s grandson rushed out of the vehicle and ran toward the puppy.
The documents also stated that MARTINEZ’s grandson told deputies this was not an isolated incident. Reportedly, the grandson had previously warned MARTINEZ about transporting the puppy in the bed of the pickup truck and had even advised him to stop and secure the puppy properly. However, MARTINEZ allegedly did not heed his advice.
MARTINEZ was subsequently arrested and charged with cruelty to non-livestock animals. He was booked into the El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility, and bond was set at $6,000.
El Paso County Sheriff Oscar Ugarte said: “Animals depend on us for their safety and protection, and that responsibility should never be taken lightly. They cannot speak for themselves or protect themselves from dangerous situations. When our deputies see an animal being put at risk, we will take action and hold those responsible accountable.”
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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is based on the press release issued by the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.
In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.
Mughsot shared from the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office
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