EMERYVILLE — A 33-year-old man suspected of physically assaulting his girlfriend and killing her 4-month old puppy Saturday was being sought by police.
A probable cause arrest warrant has been issued accusing Vernell Eric Martin-Cooksey, 33, of domestic violence and animal cruelty, police said.
The violence happened Saturday morning at an apartment the couple shared for at least a year, police said.
The woman told police they had gotten into an argument and that she was physically assaulted and threatened by Martin-Cooksey, her boyfriend.
Fearing for her safety she fled the home. She returned a short time later believing he had left.
That is when she discovered her four-month old mixed breed puppy, Oreo, dead in the residence, police said.
While she was there, Martin-Cooksey suddenly appeared, began threatening her some more, picked up the dead dog and threw it against a wall, police said.
The woman fled the apartment again and called police.
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Martin-Cooksey fled the residence before police arrived.
Police said animal control officers examined the dog and said it showed signs of strangulation.
Anyone with information about Martin-Cooksey’s whereabouts is asked to call Emeryville police at 510-596-3700.
According to court records, Martin-Cooksey has prior felony convictions, including one for second degree robbery earlier this year, for which he was placed on probation. Details about that case and the others were not immediately available.
