Long Beach Police Officer Saved Dog From Freezing Van

LONG BEACH, NY — A Long Beach police officer helped save a dog from frigid temperatures last month, and helped charge the person who left them in the cold, officials said.

According to police, Officer Justin Rodriguez was on patrol at 8:30 a.m. on Feb. 19, issuing a parking ticket to a van that was illegally parked on Lincoln Boulevard and East Boardwalk. While writing the ticket, Rodriguez heard a dog whimpering and barking from inside the van. The temperature outside was about 30 degrees.

Fellow police officers and Animal Control officers responded to the scene and were able to get the dog out through an unlocked door. The dog was taken to a local shelter, where it was found to be in need of medical attention, and was then taken to an animal hospital.

Long Beach detectives and the Nassau County SPCA jointly investigated. They arrested the van's owner — Luisa Montalvo, of San Juan, Texas — when she arrived back at the scene.

Police say that a search of the van found that it was used to transport animals for a local rescue operation. An investigation is still ongoing.

Montalvo was released and is due back in Long Beach City Court.

“Special Officer Rodriguez did an exceptional job identifying an animal in distress and taking all the right steps to protect the animal and provide care while ensuring the responsible parties are to be held accountable," said Long Beach Police Commissioner Ronald Walsh. "The multi-agency coordination in this investigation is a testament to the professionalism of all the agencies involved.”