Virginia Man Arrested on Felony Animal Cruelty Charge
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FREDERICK, Md. (September 17, 2026) – Today, at approximately 1:55 a.m., deputies from the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 7900 block of Hollow Road after a passerby reported a disabled vehicle along the roadside. The passerby told deputies the male driver had stated he had run over his dog, killing it.
Upon arriving at the scene, deputies made contact with the driver, identified as Erfan Behnam, 34, of Reston, Virginia, who was visibly covered in blood and dog hair. Nearby, deputies located a deceased dog with multiple stab wounds in a grassy area.
Behnam told deputies he had been driving in the area when his dog jumped out of the vehicle. He said he believed he “needed to put the dog down” and admitted to stabbing the dog. Deputies located a knife inside the vehicle. During the investigation, Behnam provided inconsistent statements about how the dog was injured and why he believed euthanasia was necessary.
The dog sustained approximately 14 stab wounds to multiple areas of its body.
Behnam was taken into custody and transported to the Frederick County Adult Detention Center. He is charged with felony aggravated cruelty to an animal.
Animal Control responded to the scene and took custody of the dog’s remains.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office at 301-600-1046 or the FCSO tip line at 301-600-4131.
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The Frederick County Sheriff's Office (FCSO) is a full-service law enforcement agency, an arm of the court, and a keeper of offenders. In this regard, it exists to serve the more than 290,000 citizens of Frederick County with respect, fairness, and compassion. FCSO is committed to the prevention of crime; the protection of life and property; the preservation of peace and order; the enforcement of laws and ordinances; the safeguarding of constitutional guarantees; and safekeeping of prisoners. The men, women, and officers of this office nurture public trust by holding themselves to the highest standards of performance and ethics. The FCSO is located at 110 Airport Drive East, Frederick, MD, 21701. Visit www.frederickcosheriff.com for more information.
