A California puppy went missing after being hurled at sheriff’s deputies by a wanted suspect attempting to escape arrest. Police later had to explain why the image they shared of the 6-month-old dog, Money, looked less than “cuddly.”
The incident occurred Monday in Salinas, Monterey County, when deputies tried to take the suspect into custody. The fleeing man, identified as 38-year-old Orlando Figueroa-Martinez, allegedly threw the tiny Doberman at law enforcement as he ran. In the chaos, Money disappeared.
In an effort to locate the puppy, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office shared a blurry photo of Money, showing his wide eyes and bared teeth. Social media users were quick to comment.
“Not 100% sure I would approach this one…looks a little angry?” one user wrote. Another added, “It looks dangerous. Hope it returns home.”
The sheriff’s office later clarified that Money did not belong to the suspect and had a loving owner eager to bring him home. “Unfortunately, the owner did not have a more cuddly photo available,” the department said. “The owner assures us that 6-month-old Money is friendly and likely scared after this experience.”
Figueroa-Martinez now faces felony weapons charges and animal abuse counts, KRON News reported. “When deputies attempted to arrest him, Figueroa-Martinez ignored lawful commands and fled on foot. While running, he threw the dog at a deputy and continued to resist arrest,” the sheriff’s office said.
Authorities are asking the community to help keep an eye out for Money. “We hope to reunite him with his family soon,” they said.