03-04-2025
Florida man accused of assaulting roommate's dog with trailer hitch
The Brief
A Florida man was arrested in Palm Beach County for beating his roommate's dog with a trailer hitch.
The 4-year-old pit bull named "Gypsy" was found by her owner lying on the ground, whimpering and bleeding.
Surveillance footage captured of the incident showed the suspect assaulting Gypsy with the trailer hitch for more than four minutes, deputies said.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - A Florida man was arrested in Palm Beach County for beating his roommate's dog with a trailer hitch, according to deputies.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office said Gabriel Martinez was arrested on an aggravated animal cruelty charge for beating the 4-year-old pit bull named "Gypsy."
READ: Florida woman allegedly drowned dog in airport bathroom after pet denied boarding, police say
Big picture view
According to investigators, the dog's owner was returning home from work when the dog was found lying on the ground, whimpering and bleeding. Surveillance footage captured of the incident showed Martinez assaulting Gypsy with the trailer hitch for more than four minutes, deputies said.
Dig deeper
Gypsy was taken to Animal Care and Control for medical attention, where she was found to have severe injuries, including a broken paw, multiple limb fractures, bone contusions and abdominal bruising, PBCSO said. Medical tests also confirmed her injuries came from acute blunt force trauma.
Follow FOX 13 on YouTube
The veterinarian who treated Gypsy also noted that the 4-year-old dog was in a significant amount of pain and suffering. The pit bull also faces long-term health issues that could potentially include the loss of her injured limb, officials said.
Gypsy is now on pain medication and recuperating at home, PBCSO said.
The Source
The information in this story was released by the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office on Facebook.
STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA:
Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV
Download FOX Local mobile app:Apple |Android
Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines
Download the SkyTower Radar app
Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
