Austin man beats dog, strangles family member for intervening

An Austin man has been arrested after he allegedly strangled a family member for stepping between him and the family dog he was beating. 

On January 15, 2020, police responded to a call at 1022 Cassar Cv. regarding a disturbance between family members. 

According to court documents, the victim was assaulted by her stepfather, 40-year-old Octavio Cantarero, after she tried to stop him from beating a dog that had bit another family member. 

When the victim put herself between Cantarero and the dog, he allegedly started striking her in the face and neck with a closed fist. He then proceeded to strangle the victim for approximately three seconds. Cantarero released his grip only after the victim's mother forced herself between the two. 

EMS was called on scene and verified that the victim's injuries were consistent with her story. 

Cantarero was arrested for Assualt by Strangulation/Suffocation, a 3rd Degree Felony.