Suspect Forced Driver to Dig Dog’s Grave Before Demanding Payment

3 days ago 9

Texas Man Arrested After Holding Driver at Gunpoint Over Dog’s Death

A tragic accident in Mineola, Texas, spiraled into a shocking armed confrontation when a man allegedly forced another driver to bury his dog and withdraw money at gunpoint.

Authorities say 22-year-old Alberto Joshua Hernandez has been arrested and charged with aggravated robbery and aggravated kidnapping, among other offenses, after a September 8 incident that left one victim “scared to death.”

According to an arrest affidavit, the ordeal began when the victim accidentally struck an animal while driving home. After pulling over, he was confronted by Hernandez, who emerged from a silver Ford pickup truck with a gun. The victim told investigators that Hernandez immediately pointed the weapon at him and threatened to shoot if he didn’t cooperate.

Hernandez allegedly ordered the man to retrieve the deceased dog’s body from a ditch and carry it back to his yard. Once there, he confiscated the victim’s phone and keys before forcing him to dig a grave.

The situation escalated further when Hernandez returned from inside his house carrying an AR-style rifle with optics and multiple magazines. He allegedly demanded the victim drive him to a nearby ATM to withdraw money as compensation for the dog’s death. Surveillance footage later confirmed the victim withdrawing $200 and handing it to Hernandez, who sat in the passenger seat with the rifle in his lap.

Investigators say Hernandez also photographed the victim’s driver’s license and threatened him, warning that he knew where he lived and expected additional payments.

A young and sweet pit bull was found behind a warehouse in south Memphis with hundreds of bite marks and other severe injuries. Liam, as the rescuers named him, had been used as bait for dog fighting and his abusers are still at large.

The tense confrontation ended when they returned to Hernandez’s home, where the victim’s mother witnessed Hernandez still holding the rifle. Police said her account, along with video evidence and a positive photo lineup, solidified the case against him.

Hernandez was taken into custody Thursday. In addition to the robbery and kidnapping charges, he faces eight separate drug-related offenses. His total bond has been set at more than $660,000, with $300,000 tied directly to the armed confrontation.

The case has left the Mineola community stunned, raising alarm over how grief and rage led to a violent crime that could have ended in tragedy. For now, Hernandez remains in jail as authorities continue their investigation.