Yonkers Man Accused Of Tossing Chihuahua Out Car Window At Beach

YONKERS, NY — A Westchester County man is accused of turning a day at the beach into a nightmare.

A weekend domestic argument led to animal cruelty charges at Cummings beach in Stamford, according to authorities there. The couple, both from Yonkers, were each arrested for breach of peace and two counts of risk of injury to a minor, as a result.

Shortly before 11 p.m. on July 9, Stamford police dispatchers got a call from an open 911 line. A man and woman could be heard fighting. Screams for help could also be heard during the call.

Officers rushed to the scene and discovered a woman walking with an injured animal. She told police that her ex-boyfriend pushed her out of a car and then threw the dog out the window. The entire incident reportedly played out in front of two children.

The man was identified as Jeremy Cepeda. He was located at a Stamford home, along with the children, who were unharmed. The 31-year-old was charged with cruelty to animals, in addition to the other charges the couple is facing related to the domestic incident, according to police.

Cepeda posted a $5000 bond.

Officials said that as Cepeda was driving out of a parking lot, he tossed the four-year-old Chihuahua out the window. The Chihuahua (Chloe) had extensive cranial and neurological injuries, according to vets at Cornell Veterinarian Hospital. She was experiencing seizures and was bleeding from her injuries, investigators said.

The team at Cornell began emergency measures to stabilize and save Chloe.

The latest report on July 11, found Chloe stable but still suffering from seizures. She is still showing symptoms from a traumatic brain injury, according to vets. The Stamford Animal Control Unit and the SPD Special Victims Unit are following up on case.

“We would like to thank Cornell Veterinarian Hospital and Dr Simmons for their quick, professional treatment of Chloe, which saved her life,” Stamford police officials said in a statement about the incident. “The Animal Control Unit has taken custody of Chloe, and will be determining future living arrangements, and how to reimburse Cornell for the medical bills which were compiled, from this cowardly act.”