INDIANAPOLIS — A man faces animal cruelty and torture charges after police say he told them he set his dog on fire.
Two people looking at a vacant building found the pit bull inside a bathroom on March 15. The dog, which had burns on its face, feet and sides, was taken to a shelter but died on March 16 from its injuries.
The affidavit says tips called into Crime Stoppers identified Dustin Mitchell as the dog's owner. Mitchell told police he loved the dog but couldn't control it from biting him. He later cried when police told him the dog had been burned and died.
The affidavit says Mitchell confessed to setting the dog on fire by squirting a bottle of charcoal lighter fluid and then kicking a lit grill onto the dog.
After putting the dog in a crate, Mitchell said he threw water on the dog to put out the fire and then opened the crate. The dog ran away.
Mitchell denied putting the dog in the vacant building bathroom or locking it inside.
Online court records show an initial court hearing for Mitchell is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.
-
Is downtown Indy safe? Residents and police respond following weekend violence
A string of violence in the downtown area over the weekend has put some residents on edge. Now, police are responding to the surge in crime and what they're doing to help.
BBB issues alert on Greenwood pool company following customers' complaints
The Better Business Bureau has issued an alert about a Greenwood-based pool company, alleging they have a pattern of complaints.
IPS builds teacher pipeline by hiring graduates who trained in its classrooms
Indianapolis Public Schools is working to strengthen its teacher pipeline by investing in teachers connected to the school and community they serve.
Colts trading Michael Pittman Jr. to Steelers, per report
The Colts are trading wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to ESPN.
