Texas Man Arrested for Shooting at Wild Hogs at Laredo Truck Stop
A 31-year-old Texas man is facing multiple charges after allegedly firing at wild hogs near a truck stop in Laredo during broad daylight.
Police were called to the Flying J truck stop at 1011 Beltway Parkway around noon following reports of gunfire behind the building. Upon arrival, officers discovered Albert Torres shooting at wild hogs from his silver pickup truck. Torres claimed he had permission from the truck stop manager to use his shotgun to target the animals. Authorities also found a handgun and a THC vape pen in his vehicle.
Torres was arrested and charged with discharging a firearm, unlawful carrying of a weapon, and possession of a controlled substance. Additional charges, such as disrupting the public or driving while intoxicated, were not filed but could have been considered.
Although wild hogs can be hunted year-round in Texas, hunters must adhere to specific regulations, including obtaining a hunting license, securing permission from the landowner, meeting the Texas hunter education requirement, and legally possessing a firearm. It remains unclear if Torres met any of these requirements.
Furthermore, it is doubtful that the truck stop manager had the authority to grant hunting permission for the surrounding property.
Wild hogs are a well-documented nuisance across Texas, often causing property damage and aggressively scavenging for food. Their presence at the truck stop likely stems from the availability of trash and food from semi-truck drivers.
Despite their disruptive behavior, authorities stress the importance of addressing the issue within the confines of the law. Illegal hunting methods, such as those allegedly employed by Torres, pose safety risks to the public and violate state regulations.