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Briefs

Man stabbed attempting to aid puppy, deputies say

By Times Staff Writer
Published March 17, 2006

RUSKIN - A 66-year-old Ruskin man was arrested Wednesday after he stabbed a man who tried to stop him from dragging an 8-week-old puppy across a gas station parking lot, deputies say.

When Aihab Gerges, 31, and another witness spotted Juan B. Martinez-Castro dragging the dog across the Chevron Station lot at 402 U.S. Hwy. 41 near 3 p.m., they confronted the man and told him to stop.

They even tried to give water to the dog. Martinez-Castro was not happy, according to a sheriff's report. He became verbally abusive, then pulled out a large steak knife.

Deputies said Martinez-Castro charged at Gerges, stabbing him twice in the upper chest. When Gerges tried to defend himself by raising an arm, the swinging knife slashed his right hand instead. His wounds were not life-threatening and he was treated for them at the scene.

Hillsborough sheriff's deputies charged Martinez-Castro with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and cruelty to animals.

Martinez-Castro, of 103 First Ave. NW, was being held at the Orient Road Jail on Thursday in lieu of $9,500 bail. Florida Department of Law Enforcement records show he has a history of arrests going back to 1979, including convictions for disorderly conduct, illegal possession of a shopping cart and criminal mischief.

Hillsborough County Animal Services took possession of the injured puppy.

TAMPA - Sheriff's deputies on Thursday arrested a man they say fired several shots at a vehicle carrying three people during a pursuit on Feb. 16.

Hoover Jacobo Gonzalez, 18, was arrested at 7 a.m. at his 8407 Seven Coves Court home. He was charged with aggravated assault with a firearm, shooting into a vehicle and discharging a firearm from a vehicle.

Deputies said Gonzalez associates with the Latin King gang but is not considered a member by detectives. He pulled up to Embassy Lane and Diplomat Drive on Feb. 16, investigators said, and blocked three people from leaving there in their vehicle.

Juan Morales, 54, Michael Morales, 20, and Mabel Moro, 46, fled in their vehicle after Gonzalez got out of his car and threatened them, deputies said. Gonzalez followed, firing at them, according to sheriff's spokeswoman Debbie Carter. The victims called 911. No one was hurt.

Carter said the Feb. 16 incident followed an earlier verbal altercation between Gonzalez and Michael Morales. Thursday's arrest has not closed the case, and the investigation continues, Carter said.

[Last modified March 17, 2006, 01:54:15]