Teen Drags Animal Control Officer in Attempt to Steal Dog

LUBBOCK, TX — A Lubbock teen is facing charges of aggravated robbery after allegedly stealing a dog from the Lubbock Animal Shelter and dragging an Animal Control Officer with his vehicle while attempting to flee the scene.

According to court documents, Pedro Cantu, 19, was arrested on March 3 after multiple witnesses identified him taking a dog from the shelter’s custody. 

Court reports state Cantu entered the Lubbock Animal Shelter and accessed an open animal cage for public viewing. Cantu allegedly grabbed the dog and attempted to flee through the lobby towards the parking lot.

As Cantu left the lobby, an Animal Control Officer attempted to arrest him before he entered his vehicle, trying to prevent the theft. Cantu allegedly elbowed while attempting to escape.

The officer tried to stop the suspect by holding onto the vehicle but was dragged through the parking lot and sustained multiple injuries in the process.

Court documents state Cantu was identified through witness statements, photographs, and video footage captured inside the shelter and at the scene.

South Plains LIVE! has contacted Lubbock Animal Services and the Lubbock Police Department for video footage but has not yet received any information.

Lubbock Police took registration details and descriptions from Cantu’s vehicle and were able to track him and arrest him later. Law enforcement from the Lubbock Police Department’s Crime Suppression Unit, who had been monitoring radio traffic, helped track down and arrest Cantu.

With the evidence, including witness statements and the officer's injuries, police charged Cantu with Aggravated Robbery. Pedro Cantu was taken to the Lubbock County Detention Center, where he remains on a $40,000 bond.

Court reports state that the dog was safely returned to the shelter and was unharmed. However, they do not state whether the dog was his originally.