San Antonio Police Investigate Leaving Dog Behind After Owner's Arrest

Viral video shows dog chasing after patrol car as owner is taken into custody

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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San Antonio police are investigating an incident where officers allegedly left behind a homeless man's dog, named Rusty, after arresting the owner. Witness Emily Casso captured video of Rusty chasing after the patrol car as it drove away, prompting outrage and an internal investigation by the San Antonio Police Department.

Why it matters

The incident has raised concerns about police protocol for handling pets when their owners are arrested, as well as broader questions about how law enforcement interacts with the city's homeless population and their animal companions.

The details

According to the report, the incident occurred after the unidentified homeless man was arrested at an intersection near the McCreless Corner Shopping Center. Witness Emily Casso, an animal advocate, happened to be nearby and started filming as Rusty ran after the departing patrol car. The San Antonio Police Department has acknowledged the incident and said it is investigating whether officers violated department policy by leaving the dog behind.

  • The incident occurred on February 17, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas.

The players

Emily Casso

An animal advocate who volunteers with Animal Care Services and witnessed the incident, capturing video of the dog chasing the patrol car.

Cecilia Chavez

Runs the local independent journalism outlet '210 La Chismosa' and helped locate and rescue the dog after the incident.

Rusty

The homeless man's dog that was left behind when the owner was arrested.

San Antonio Police Department

The law enforcement agency investigating the incident to determine if officers violated department policy.

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What they’re saying

“I thought the second cop was going to wait but he didn't. The dog chased the car and I was in disbelief honestly.”

— Emily Casso, Witness (expressnews.com)

“SAPD has procedures specific to animal care when their owner is taken into custody, and we take these responsibilities seriously.”

— San Antonio Police Department (expressnews.com)

“If we determine that policy violations occurred, the officers will be disciplined in accordance with our policies and procedures.”

— San Antonio Police Department (expressnews.com)

What’s next

The San Antonio Police Department is investigating the incident to determine if officers violated department policy by leaving the dog behind. The results of the investigation will determine if any disciplinary action is taken against the officers involved.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for clear protocols and training for law enforcement on how to handle pets when their owners are arrested, especially when dealing with the city's homeless population and their animal companions. It also raises broader questions about how police can improve interactions with vulnerable members of the community.