Long Beach
Police Department

Photographs of the rescued dog courtesy of Long Beach Animal Care Services
(Click on images to enlarge)

Through swift follow-up and investigative efforts, detectives identified the suspect believed to be responsible for an animal abuse incident that occurred in the 200 block of East 12th Street on April 21, 2025. Since then, officers and detectives have worked tirelessly to locate and arrest the suspect.

The suspect was identified as Alexander Cueva, a 28-year-old resident of Long Beach.

On April 22, 2025, around 8:28 p.m., detectives from the Special Investigations Division in collaboration with the High Crime Focus Team, located Cueva in the 800 block of Pine Avenue. He was safely arrested and transported to Long Beach City Jail, where he was booked on felony intentional cruelty to an animal. Additionally, he had an outstanding No Bail warrant and remains in custody.

The dog has been rescued and is now safely in the care of Long Beach Animal Care Services.

“This type of cruelty has no place in our community,” said Police Chief Wally Hebeish. “I want to thank our detectives and officers for their outstanding work in swiftly identifying and apprehending the suspect. We remain committed to ensuring those who harm others—especially the most vulnerable—are held accountable. We recognize the deep concern this incident caused throughout our community and appreciate the public’s assistance in sharing critical information.”

While the dog is now in the safe hands of Long Beach Animal Care Services, we will share updates on its condition when appropriate, as the investigation remains ongoing. We also want to thank our partners at Long Beach Animal Care Services for their compassionate response and continued care throughout this case.

Anyone with any information regarding the incident is urged to contact the Violent Crimes Detail at (562) 570-7250. Anonymous tips may be submitted through “LA Crime Stoppers” by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the “P3 Tips” app to your smartphone (available at the Apple App Store and Google Play), or visiting  www.LACrimestoppers.org.