DETROIT (WWJ) -- A Detroit man is facing felony charges after allegedly torturing a puppy, and then fleeing police.
The Ferndale Police Department said its officers responded to a 911 call just after 12 a.m. Friday about a crying animal. The caller said they saw a man parked near Woodward Ave. and E. Bennett Street, putting a small animal inside a garbage bag.
Officers found 25-year-old Curtis Christophr-Ray Martin crouching near his car, with the hatchback open.
Inside the trunk, police they found a 3-month-old puppy with a garbage bag over its head.
Police said the both of the dog's ears had been severed and its tail had been tied off in preparation for removal. Scissors and other surgical supplies were found in the car, police said, along with a large amount of blood.
As officers tried to arrest Martin, police said he resisted and ran from officers. There was a brief food chase, and Martin was taken into custody.
The puppy was taken to local animal hospital, where it was treated for its wounds. Officials said the dog is in stable condition and will be turned over to the Oakland County Animal Control to continue treatment until it is healthy enough to be adopted.
Martin has been charged with one felony count of killing or torturing an animal, second degree, and two counts of resisting arrest.
“We are thankful for the vigilance of the 911 caller and the swift action of our patrol officers in rescuing this puppy,” said Ferndale Police Deputy Chief David Spellman, in a statement. “This is a disturbing act of cruelty. We will all sleep better knowing the person responsible is in custody.”
Martin was arraigned Friday afternoon in 43rd District Court, and was given a $100,00 cash bond.