Man Accused Of Hurling, Abandoning Dog Near Temecula: Charges Pending

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — A 30-year-old man accused of hurling his dog over a razor-wire security fence at a cell phone tower in Winchester and abandoning him was slated to be arraigned Tuesday on unrelated charges of driving under the influence, while prosecutors continue to review the animal cruelty allegations.

Robert Arturo Ruiz Jr. of Winchester was arrested and booked into the Byrd Detention Center in Murrieta on Thursday on suspicion of felony animal cruelty and willful abandonment. Ruiz is being held in lieu of $15,000 bail.

According to court records, Ruiz has unresolved misdemeanor charges pending for driving under the influence and driving on a suspended license. There was a warrant out for his arrest in connection with these counts at the time he was taken into custody for the alleged act of animal abuse.

The defendant was slated to be arraigned on the misdemeanors Tuesday afternoon at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta.

"We have not filed in the case," Riverside County District Attorney's Office spokeswoman Amy McKenzie told City News Service concerning the felony animal cruelty charges sought by the Department of Animal Services. "We cannot give any comments regarding the charging decisions in this case, as it is still active."

Department of Animal Services spokesman John Welsh said that sheriff's deputies and officers tracked Ruiz down to a residence in the 33000 block of Leon Road in Winchester, where he was taken into custody without incident.

He's suspected of throwing his 8-year-old dog, previously named "KO," inside the hilltop mobile phone security perimeter near Flossie Way and Pourroy Road on Dec. 15, leaving the canine trapped inside the space without food, water or shelter.

"We were all extremely disturbed to see such a careless act committed against an innocent animal," Department of Animal Services Director Erin Gettis said Friday.

(A video clip of the Ruiz's arrest is below. Security surveillance camera footage of the alleged act of abandonment, which is disturbing, is also shown below.)

Welsh said a 1-year-old female pit bull mix was located at Ruiz's residence, and the pet was seized, impounded at the San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus. It was not immediately known whether the suspect would be able to reclaim the dog when and if he posts bond.

Welsh said Ruiz may have abandoned another canine, though authorities are still investigating that case.

KO, who was re-christened "Ken" by veterinary staff, was adopted by a woman less than a week after images of his abandonment were circulated.

Welsh said that, fortunately, tower maintenance workers arrived at the location where the dog was deserted within a couple of hours and found him dehydrated and leaking mucus from both his eyes, but otherwise OK.

The crew provided the pit with water — he gulped down three bottles — and comfort until an animal control officer reached the site and transported him to the Western Riverside County Animal Shelter in Jurupa Valley, Welsh said.

He said Ken required treatment for the discharge from his eyes, with the right one in the worst condition. There was no word on what caused the ailments.

According to court records, Ruiz has a prior misdemeanor DUI conviction, but no felonies.