A trash run behind a Kissimmee business turned into a rescue call when an employee heard an animal crying from inside a dumpster. Deputies arrived and found a small dog hurt and whimpering in pain, according to FOX 35 Orlando.

The dog was later identified as Max, a 10-year-old Jack Russell terrier mix. He was rushed for treatment, but the injuries were too severe. WESH reported that Max suffered a fractured skull and brain swelling, and later died after being euthanized.

Facebook/Stephanie Buffamonte

Surveillance video led deputies to the owner

Investigators say security video showed a man pull up in a pickup truck, take the dog from the vehicle, place him in a box, and toss that box into the dumpster. That footage became the center of the case, as FOX 35 Orlando reports.

Deputies identified the suspect as Victor Manuel Carrion-Flores, 79. Investigators said they followed leads, matched the dog to images found online, and interviewed him on March 8, according to WFTV.

Felony charge after Max died from injuries

Deputies said Carrion-Flores told them Max had a history of getting loose and that he found the dog injured that day. He denied hurting him, but investigators said he admitted he was too busy to deal with the injuries and did not seek care, as reported by WESH and WFTV.

He was arrested on a charge of aggravated animal cruelty causing excessive pain or death, a third-degree felony, according to FOX 35 Orlando.

The case hit responding deputies hard, with one officer even offering to adopt Max if he survived. He sadly did not.