Suspect in Foot Pursuit Arrested After Throwing Stolen Puppy at Deputy
SALINAS, CA — A recent pursuit just outside Salinas city limits ended in the arrest of a wanted man.
At approximately 5:30 p.m. on January 26, 2026, Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies spotted 38-year-old Orlando Figueroa-Martinez near the intersection of Pingree Way and Penzance Street. Figueroa-Martinez, who was known to have an active no-bail arrest warrant, initially attempted to deceive authorities by providing a false identity and denying his name.
The encounter quickly escalated when the suspect, who was holding a small dog, ignored deputy commands and fled on foot. During the ensuing chase, officials report that Figueroa-Martinez threw the dog at a pursuing deputy to facilitate his escape. Investigators later identified the dog as a 6-month-old puppy named Money, who did not belong to the suspect.
Following a brief physical struggle, deputies successfully took Figueroa-Martinez into custody. A subsequent search yielded a loaded, concealed firearm, a dirk or dagger, and drug paraphernalia. Additionally, deputies discovered approximately 68.53 grams of methamphetamine in his possession.
Figueroa-Martinez was booked into the Monterey County Jail on a litany of charges, including:
Felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition
Possession of a controlled substance while armed
Animal cruelty
Resisting or obstructing a peace officer
While the puppy initially fled the scene in the chaos, the community-wide search ended happily on the evening of January 30th when Money was located and determined to be safe. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude to the public for their assistance and confirmed they are currently working to reunite Money with his rightful owner.
Photo(s) courtesy of Monterey County Sheriff’s Office
