Crime & Safety

Would-be Dog-Napper Punches Man in Face, But Dog Helps Fend Off Attacker

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department says two assailants tried to rob a man of his canine companion as they were out walking in San Jacinto.

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department is looking for two men accused of trying steal another's dog in San Jacinto Monday morning.

According to sheriff's Sergeant David Haar, the victim was out walking his Boxer in the area of 7th Street and Camino Los Banos around 7:30 a.m. when the alleged confrontation happened.

"The investigation revealed that the male victim was walking his dog when two Hispanic male adults in their 20's approached him and stated they were going to take his dog," Haar said.

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That's when one of the men "punched the victim in the face" while the other man grabbed the dog's leash, according to Haar.  But the dog didn't want to go.

"The victim and his dog fought back and the suspects fled south on Camino Los Banos," he said, adding that one guy was hit in the face, while another may have been bitten on his ankle. 

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The two men got away, and police could not immediatly locate them.  Sgt. Haar provided the following suspect descriptions: 

  • Suspect #1 is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 20 years old, thin build, shaved head wearing a white shirt, tan khaki shorts and white socks. Suspect #1 was last seen bleeding from his nose.
  • Suspect #2 is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 20 years old, heavy build, shaved head, thin goatee and mustache wearing a black shirt and tan khaki shorts with white socks. Suspect #2 may have a dog bite to one of his ankles.

The man who was walking his dog was injured in the confrontation, but only had minor injuries, Haar told Patch.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the San Jacinto Police Department at (951) 654-2702.


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