Grand Junction, CO — A man has been arrested in connection with an October incident in which a dog was fatally struck by a vehicle following a confrontation near Hawthorne Park.
Around 6:30 p.m. on October 11, officers with the Grand Junction Police Department responded to a report of a dog hit by a vehicle. Investigators later determined the dog’s owner had been driving home after a walk near the Gunnison River when he noticed a gold sedan following him.
When the victim stopped at Hawthorne Park at 400 Gunnison Avenue, the driver of the gold sedan confronted him, reportedly attempting to provoke a physical fight over the victim’s driving behavior. A verbal dispute took place.
During the confrontation, the victim’s dog jumped from the vehicle window and began barking. Police say the suspect kicked the dog before returning to his vehicle. Moments later, the suspect struck the dog with his vehicle and fled the scene.
Despite life-saving efforts, the dog died from its injuries.
Following what police describe as an extensive investigation, officers identified the suspect as 32-year-old Dylan Lange. A warrant was issued for his arrest, and on December 30, law enforcement located Lange and transported him to the Mesa County Detention Facility.
Lange faces the following charges:
- Criminal Mischief
- Harassment
- Cruelty to Animals – Reckless or Criminal Negligence Resulting in Torture, Mutilation, or Death