HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The cruelty to animal charge and a burglary count were dropped by the state against a Hutchinson man Monday because the witness in the case didn’t show up for court. However, the state reserved the right to refile the charges against Gabriel Sanchez Jr. at a later time.

In this case, he allegedly grabbed a puppy by its neck and threw it in the air. The puppy died from the ordeal. Sanchez is also accused of breaking into a home in the 700 block of East 1st. Both of these crimes occurred on March 30.

Sanchez did enter guilty pleas for flee and elude and theft for a case back in April while two other charges were dropped.

Sanchez was spotted at the Texas T-Bone Steakhouse on East 11th. Officers tried to stop him, but Sanchez fled at a high rate of speed. He finally stopped near 6th and Cleveland. Sanchez entered a home — that was not his own — and hid in the bathroom.

Police got permission to enter the home. Sanchez finally came out of the bathroom and was arrested. The occupants confirmed Sanchez did not live there.

Both sides will recommend community corrections for this case when sentencing occurs on Aug. 16.