YORK, Pa. – Luis Cruz-Padro, 28, formerly of West Manchester Township, is a step closer to standing trial on animal cruelty charges. In December, Cruz-Padro, was caught on a video punching his girlfriend’s pit bull in the backyard of a home along the first block of East South Street.
Defense Attorney David Erhard confirmed that Cruz-Padro waived his formal arraignment at a preliminary hearing this morning. The action clears the way for a pre-trial conference in April. The outcome of that conference could determine whether Cruz-Padro will stand trial on the charges in York County Court. Until then he remains free on bail.
The dog, named Bugz has fully recovered from his injuries and was adopted by a family last month. Bugz’s puppy, Willa, has also been adopted.
