A man in Mineola, Texas, is facing serious charges after police say he held a driver at gunpoint when the man accidentally struck and killed his dog. The incident began when the driver stopped after hitting an animal in the road. A silver Ford pickup pulled up behind him, and the driver, later identified as 22-year-old Alberto Joshua Hernandez, confronted him with a firearm, according to KLTV.
A Texas man is accused of holding a driver at gunpoint after his dog was killed.
Forced Burial and Threats
Police records state that Hernandez pointed what appeared to be a MAC-10 pistol and ordered the driver to recover the dog’s body from a ditch. Under threat, the man carried the dog to Hernandez’s yard, where Hernandez allegedly demanded that he dig a grave and bury the animal. As KETK reports, the victim told police he was terrified for his life during the ordeal.
While the man dug, Hernandez is accused of seizing his phone and keys. Hernandez then returned from his home with an AR-style rifle equipped with optics and extra magazines, escalating the threat. Witness statements and court documents describe Hernandez keeping the weapon trained on the man throughout.
Police documents say the driver was then forced to dig a grave for the dog.
Demands for Money
The ordeal did not end with the burial. Authorities say Hernandez forced the victim into his truck and ordered him to drive to a bank. During the ride, Hernandez sat in the passenger seat, rifle in hand, and instructed him to withdraw cash. Surveillance footage later obtained by police showed the man withdrawing $200 and handing it to Hernandez. The suspect also took a photo of the victim’s driver’s license, warning he knew where he lived if he was not “fully compensated,” according to The Independent.
Surveillance video showed the victim withdrawing $200 from an ATM.
Police Investigation and Arrest
The victim’s mother arrived at the scene and later told investigators she witnessed Hernandez with the rifle. Investigators also confirmed the ATM transaction on video. The victim later identified Hernandez in a photo lineup, police said.
Hernandez was arrested and charged with aggravated robbery and aggravated kidnapping. His bond was set at $300,000 for those charges. He also faces multiple drug-related offenses, raising his total bond to $660,000, according to KWTX.
