On September 8th Washita County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a call concerning a man allegedly abusing a dog at Kwik N Eze in Cordell. Multiple witnesses reported seeing Hilton Heath Hurliman repeatedly punching a dog that was inside the back of a green Suzuki SUV that he had been driving.
Hurliman entered the convenience store and purchased beer, then returned to his vehicle and continued to viciously beat the dog, slamming it to the floor of the SUV, throwing it on the ground by its head, then eventually throwing it by its neck back into the vehicle and driving off.
Several witnesses attempted to intervene on the dog’s behalf, but Hilton’s aggressive behavior prevented them from doing so.
Security cameras from the store recorded the incident and footage supported the witness reports.
Washita County Undersheriff Kenny Loftiss located Hurliman at the car wash behind the Cordell Package Store. Hurliman told the Loftiss that he was discipling his dog for defecating in his vehicle.
Hurliman drove off and Loftiss returned to Kwik N Eze to interview witnesses and view camera footage.
After collecting evidence, Undersheriff Loftiss determined that a crime had been committed and contacted the Cordell Police Department for assistance in locating Hurliman. They did locate Hurliman’s vehicle but did not immediately find him.
A felony charge of Cruelty to Animals was filed, and on September 14th Hurliman was booked into the Washita County Jail, but was released on a $10,000 cash bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 28th.
Cruelty to Animals carries a penalty of up to five years in prison, and a possible fine of up to $5,000.