KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
May 10, 2021
By Katy Magazine Editors
The owner of the Bengal tiger spotted last night in West Houston tracks back to a local man out on bond for a Fort Bend County murder. Authorities are searching for the owner and are concerned for the well-being of the tiger.
Photo credit: Witness, Jose Ramos as given to KHOU.
Tiger Spotted in West Houston Neighborhood on Mother's Day
Around 8 p.m. on Ivy Wall Drive near Memorial Drive and Highway 6 a neighbor spotted a Bengal tiger lounging in the grass across from his house.
He alerted the community and authorities.
The owner of the tiger led it by the collar to a white jeep before leaving the scene without incident.
Name Released
Authorities have now revealed that the name of the tiger’s owner is Victor Cuevas, a 28-year-old man accused of a 2017 Fort Bend County murder and out on bond.
Cuevas also had a bond revoked for possessing a firearm.
Crime Stoppers Victims Director Reacts to Ongoing Bond Issue
“Having a tiger walking around your yard in a residential neighborhood while out on Bond for Murder is a sure-fire way to have your bond revoked,” says Katy’s Andy Kahan, and the Director of Victims Services and Advocacy for Crime Stoppers Houston.
The West Houston neighborhood doesn’t allow exotic animals such as tigers, but they could be allowed in certain unincorporated areas with the proper permits.
Tiger was Involved in Previous Animal Cruelty Case
Houston Police Department report that the tiger goes by Rajah and was previously involved in 2019 animal cruelty case that involved in the arrest of a previous owner. This has them concerned for his well-being.
Cuevas is described as being 5 foot and 8 inches, 130 pounds. He is driving a white Jeep Cherokee with paper plates and is wanted for evading arrest charges.
If he or the tiger are spotted, contact Houston Police Department Major Offenders Division at 713-302-3100.