WELLINGTON, Colo. — A suspect in an animal cruelty case in northern Colorado has been arrested in Arkansas.
The Larimer County Sheriff's Office said on the night of Aug. 29, 2022, they received a report that a man had attacked two dogs in a fenced yard in Wellington. One of the dogs died, and the other was seriously hurt. They said the dogs, named Jax and Diesel, had cuts or stab injuries.
The sheriff's office said a tip from the community led investigators to identify the suspect as David Thompson, 47, of Scotland, Arkansas. He had no prior connection to the home, the people living there or their dogs, according to a release.
An investigation that involved analyzing forensic and digital evidence and traveling to Arkansas to interview Thompson led to a warrant for his arrest, the release said. He was arrested last month in Arkansas and extradited to Larimer County on two counts of aggravated animal cruelty. He was issued a $15,000 bond by Larimer County Court.
According to an arrest affidavit, Thompson admitted what he was accused of doing but claimed he was acting in self-defense. The affidavit says surveillance camera footage shows that Thompson was the aggressor, contradicting his claim.
“This was a disturbing case that robbed a family of their beloved pet," said Capt. Bobby Moll. "Our team put considerable effort into identifying the person responsible and building a strong, evidence-based case. While it can’t reverse the loss, I hope this arrest brings some measure of comfort.”
