LAS CRUCES — A 25-year-old Las Cruces man was arrested Tuesday night on animal cruelty charges after police say he admitted to taking his anger out on his mother’s dogs during a domestic incident.
According to reports from the Las Cruces Police Department, Rudy Esteban Baca told officers he experienced a “mental breakdown” after becoming upset about a mess inside the home, which he attributed to what he described as his mother’s hoarding. Police said Baca acknowledged that he became angry and directed his frustration toward the dogs, identified as Skunky and Whippy.
Investigators reported reviewing home surveillance footage that allegedly showed Baca throwing one dog toward a television in the living room and another dog against a table. Officers noted both animals could be heard yelping and running away following the incident.
Police documents indicate Baca later told officers he felt remorse and did not intend to harm the animals. He also reportedly contacted his mother, who had been at a store at the time, warning her she might be upset when she returned home.
Authorities said Baca told officers that when his mother arrived, he believed she retrieved a firearm and fired a shot in his direction, prompting him to barricade himself with a knife. However, the mother told officers she did not fire a weapon but instead yelled at Baca and slammed an object, which created a loud noise.
Officers were dispatched to the residence in the 1000 block of Moon River Loop, near Picacho Middle School, after receiving a report of possible shots fired. Responding officers found both individuals inside the home and safely resolved the situation.
Jail records show Baca was booked into the Doña Ana County Detention Center on two counts of cruelty to animals and was being held without bond.
Baca is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
John Krehbiel- Bravo Mic Communications, LLC -john@bravomic.com
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