Channelview, TX– A Houston man has been arrested and charged with animal cruelty after spending months evading authorities following a disturbing case in which a puppy was found locked inside a sealed trunk abandoned in a Channelview field.
Deontwon Marquise Perry Jr., 21, now faces a misdemeanor cruelty to animals charge after investigators with the Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office tracked him down following a months-long investigation.
The case began in January, when a passerby walking near a field in Channelview noticed something alarming — a blue trunk sitting alone in the grass. As they got closer, they heard something inside. A puppy, whimpering and trapped, had been locked in the container with no way out.
Authorities responded and rescued the dog — an approximately 11-month-old German Shepherd mix — who was then transported to the Houston SPCA for medical evaluation and care. Staff there named him Buster.
“This was cruel. This was a crime. There is no excuse.” — Constable Alan Rosen, Harris County Precinct 1
Perry was identified as the suspect in the case, but months passed before he was finally taken into custody. Investigators did not disclose how he was ultimately located or whether he turned himself in.
It is unclear at this time what led to the incident or whether Buster has since been adopted. The investigation remains ongoing.
Animal cruelty cases in Harris County can be reported to the Houston SPCA. Authorities are urging anyone who witnesses suspected abuse to come forward — because in cases like this, a stranger’s decision to stop and listen may have been the difference between life and death for one small dog.
Report animal abuse in Harris County: Contact the Houston SPCA at 713-869-7722. Anonymous reports accepted.
