Man arrested two years after northern Colorado dog killed in attack

On December 12, 2024By Online Niel

LARIMER COUNTY, Colo. (KKTV) – After more than two years on the run, a man accused of killing a dog in cold blood has been captured more than 1,000 miles away in Colorado.

The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) says the suspect, identified as 47-year-old David Thompson, has been extradited back to the state to face justice.

On August 29, 2022, a man entered a yard in Wellington and brutally attacked two dogs. One of the dogs did not survive.

At the time, deputies only had a vague description and surveillance that still showed the man leaving.

“A community tip led investigators to identify the suspect (as Thompson),” the sheriff’s office said in an update over the weekend. “Thompson had no previous connection to the house, residents or animals.”

Further investigation revealed the suspect had ties to Arkansas and deputies tracked him down.

“After an extensive investigation, which included reviewing forensic and digital evidence and traveling to Arkansas to interview the suspect, LCSO obtained a warrant for Thompson. In late November 2024, he was arrested in Arkansas and extradited to Larimer County on two counts of aggravated cruelty to animals,” the sheriff’s office said.

The Sheriff’s Office thanked the Van Bruen, Arkansas Sheriff’s Office and the North Little Rock Police Department for their assistance in this case.

“This was a disturbing case that robbed a family of their beloved pet. Our team has put considerable effort into identifying the person responsible and building a solid, evidence-based case. While it may not reverse the loss, I hope this arrest brings some measure of comfort,” said Capt. Bobby Moll, head of LCSO’s Investigations Division.

The dog that survived the attack has recovered from its injuries, the sheriff’s office added.