Tuesday afternoon in North Phoenix turned into a crime scene instead of a routine homecoming when a resident walked into his apartment near 19th Avenue and Northern Avenue and reportedly found blood on the floor and his dog suffering from a gunshot wound. The animal was brought to a veterinarian, and authorities on the scene detained a man who they believe was inside the unit and booked him on various offenses.
According to 12News, the suspect is identified as David Contreras, and the allegations include burglary, unlawful discharge of a firearm within municipal limits, and animal cruelty. According to the records, the dog was shot in the neck and transferred to an emergency veterinary care facility, and the resident discovered Contreras lying close to the injured animal. Officers reported finding three bullet shells and a handgun inside the residence. The filing further states that the resident suspected Contreras used a hidden spare key to gain entry, while Contreras allegedly told police he had authorization to be there, claimed he fired at two dark figures he thought he spotted on a patio, and admitted to using amphetamines earlier in the day.
Arizona Legislature Act A.R.S. Section 13-3107 permits prosecutors to pursue felony charges for unlawful firearm discharge within city limits, as indicated in arrest paperwork. Arizona’s animal cruelty legislation, A.R.S. Section 13-2910, defines significant maltreatment or killing of a domestic animal as a felony, with reduced penalties for other offenses. Burglary penalties might increase based on whether the target is a home and whether a weapon is used. According to FindLaw, possessing a lethal weapon during an unlawful entry can elevate an allegation to a more serious level of burglary. These statutes allow prosecutors wide latitude as the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office decides how to prosecute the case.
According to police, the investigation is still ongoing, and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office will evaluate the arrest paperwork and other evidence, 12News says. Officials have not yet announced a court date or bond. As detectives continue to question witnesses and review documents, Phoenix police are requesting anyone with additional information to contact the department.
Leave a Reply