ALBANY, NY — A 25-year-old man faces multiple charges after allegedly wielding a knife, breaking into a home and stabbing a dog Thursday afternoon.
Elijah Torres, of Albany, was arrested following the incident that began around 4:10 p.m. in the area of Lark Street and Jay Street.
Officers responded to reports of an individual acting erratically while wielding a knife.
Upon arrival, officers observed Torres waving the knife and attempted to stop him.
Torres fled on foot, initiating a pursuit.
During the pursuit, Torres forcibly broke down the door of a residence on Dove Street near Jay Street and unlawfully entered while still armed with the knife, according to police.
He then exited through the rear of the residence and into the backyard of a neighboring residence, where he encountered a dog and proceeded to stab the dog in the head.
Torres failed to comply with several lawful commands issued by the Albany Police Department and the Albany County Sheriff’s Office.
A taser was deployed, and he was subsequently taken into custody.
The injured dog was transported to a veterinary clinic by its owner for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.
No other injuries were reported during the incident.
Torres has been charged with one count of first-degree burglary, one count of second-degree burglary, one count of fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, two counts of third-degree criminal mischief and one count of aggravated cruelty to animals.
He was arraigned and remanded to the Albany County Jail with bail set at $25,000.
