Press Release: Deputies Arrest Subject Who Threw Dog At Them Had Loaded Gun and Drugs
DATE/TIME: 1/27/2026 at 6:45 PM
TYPE OF INCIDENT: Sheriff’s Deputies Arrest Wanted Subject After He Throws Dog at Them; Subject Found in Possession of Loaded Firearm and Narcotics
LOCATION: Pingree Way at Penzance Street, Salinas, Monterey County, California
MEDIA CONTACT: Andres Rosas, Commander; Phone: 831-261-5492; Email: rosasae@countyofmonterey.gov
Monterey County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a wanted subject after he attempted to evade arrest by fleeing on foot and throwing a dog at a deputy.
On January 26, 2026, at approximately 5:30 p.m., Monterey County Sheriff’s Deputies contacted an adult male near the intersection of Pingree Way and Penzance Street, just outside the city limits of Salinas. Deputies recognized the individual as 38-year-old Orlando Figueroa-Martinez, who had an active no-bail arrest warrant.
During the contact, Figueroa-Martinez denied his identity and provided false information to deputies. He was holding a small dog at the time of the encounter. When deputies attempted to arrest him, Figueroa-Martinez ignored lawful commands and fled on foot. While running, he threw the dog at a deputy and continued to resist arrest.
Deputies pursued Figueroa-Martinez and a physical struggle ensued as he continued attempting to flee and refused to comply with deputies’ commands. He was ultimately taken into custody without further incident.
During a search incident to arrest, Figueroa-Martinez was found to be in unlawful possession of a loaded and concealed firearm. He was also in possession of approximately 68.53 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and a dirk/dagger. The dog ran away from the scene during the incident. Deputies made attempts to locate the dog; however, those efforts were unsuccessful.
Figueroa-Martinez was booked into the Monterey County Jail on the following charges:
PC 29800(a)(1) – Felon in possession of a firearm
PC 30305(a)(1) – Felon in possession of ammunition
PC 21310 – Carrying a dirk or dagger
PC 148(a)(1) – Resisting or obstructing a peace officer
PC 148.9(a) – False identification to a peace officer
PC 597(a) – Animal cruelty
H&S 11370.1(a) – Possession of a loaded firearm while in possession of a controlled substance
H&S 11364(a) – Possession of drug paraphernalia
H&S 11377(a) – Possession of a controlled substance