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Local - Crime & Courts

Tuesday, Jun. 30, 2009

Man who left dog in car in Turlock faces drug, weapons charges

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TURLOCK -- A man who left a dog in his locked car in 100-degree temperatures was arrested minutes later on drug and weapon charges, according to police.

Officers responded at 5:32 p.m. to a report of a dog inside the car in the Target parking lot at 3000 Countryside Drive.

When officers arrived, they not only discovered the dog, who was without water, but a strong smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle.

When the car’s owner, Robert Zavala, 40, arrived at the car, he admitted to having the pot, just over two-thirds of an ounce. Upon further investigation, officers also found a loaded semi-automatic handgun.

Upon searching Zavala, they found 1.35 grams of meathamphetamine.

Zavala was booked on drug and weapon charges, along with those tied to leaving the dog in the car.