Man seen on video abusing dog at Anaheim apartment building turns himself in
The suspect who was caught on camera abusing a pooch in a social media video has turned himself in to the Anaheim Police Department.
Albert Frank Abad Jr., 33, surrendered to Anaheim PD at 1:30 a.m. on Thursday after an arrest warrant had been issued on Wednesday. He was arrested on suspicion of felony animal cruelty.
The video of him punching and abusing a dog in the hallway of the Gateway Apartment homes in Anaheim went viral on social media and police had been searching for him until he turned himself in.
Prior to his arrest, Abad dropped the dog, a black golden-doodle named Steeler, off at a local veterinarian. Officials with Orange County Animal Care are examining the dog to determine its condition.
"So when OC Animal Care received the dog, it's job is to make sure the dog is safe," said Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley. She said that they're tasked with evaluating the dog's injuries and gathering evidence to present to Anaheim Police Department, who will in turn present it to the Orange County District Attorney's Office for the hearing.
In response to the arrest, Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer issued a statement, which read in part:
"The violence that was inflicted on a defenseless animal is disgusting. Dogs love unconditionally and that love was rewarded not with love, but with violence. This behavior is not just offensive, it is criminal. ... As a result of excellent police work, the Orange County District Attorney's Office will prosecute this abuser to the fullest extent of the law and we will send a strong message the abuse of animals will not be tolerated."
Abad was supposed to appear in court on Monday, but posted bail. A search of public records showed that Abad was also previously arrested for domestic violence.
Since recovering Steeler, Anaheim Police Department has been showered with gifts and messages of support from dog lovers.
"We've gotten tons of phone calls, people have sent cookies to the police department, balloons, flowers, lots of social media messages of people extending their support and their gratitude to our detectives here at the Anaheim Police Department that worked this case," said Sergeant Shane Carringer.
Many of those messages have also inquired about the possibility to adopt Steeler into a new and more loving home.
"One option could be that the dog indeed could be up for adoption," Foley said, noting that if the court decides the dog can't be returned to its owner. "Another option is that it goes to a rescue group."
