Pescadero Man Arrested for Allegedly Attacking Woman and 9-Week Puppy

An allegedly drugged-out man was arrested on Sunday in Pescadero for assault with a deadly weapon, animal cruelty, burglary and other offenses, according to the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office.

Shortly after 5 p.m. Jorge Ruiz-Martinez, 23, allegedly entered the home of a 67-year-old woman in the 1600 block of Pescadero Creek Road and tried to force water down her 9-week-old dog's throat in an attempt to drown her, sheriff's officials said.

The woman was able to free the dog but Ruiz-Martinez allegedly assaulted her, violently pushing her. She was able to push him out the front door of the home, locking him out. 

However, moments later Ruiz-Martinez reentered her home after which he began to strangle her and forcefully pour water down her throat in an attempt to drown her.

The victim was able to fight off the attack and call 911. Ruiz-Martinez fled but was found in a field still on the victim's property.

He was found in possession of crystal methamphetamine and was also determined to be under the influence of a controlled substance.

He was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, under the influence of a controlled substance, assault with a deadly weapon, first degree burglary, elder abuse, false imprisonment, and animal cruelty.

Sheriff's spokeswoman Deputy Rebecca Rosenblatt said it does not appear that the suspect and victim knew each other prior to Sunday's incident.

He was booked into the San Mateo County Jail on the above listed charges and remains in custody on $50,000 bail.  

Any person who may have information about this case is asked to contact Detective Ken Clayton at 650-363-4050 or via email at kclayton@smcgov.org.

Those who wish to remain anonymous may also call the Sheriff’s Office Anonymous Witness Line at 800-547-2700.