Press Releases

Burglar kills dog during crime
June 7, 2008

A thief is caught in the act of a break-in of a north Cape Coral home - and most likely surprised when the family dog went to protect her home. But the suspect shot and killed a dog during the burglary and is still on the loose.

She was found dead by her owner just a short time later.

“A burglar broke into the house, the dog tried to defend the house. Apparently, the suspect was armed and killed the dog,” Det. Kurt Grau of the Cape Coral Police Department.

The incident occurred in the early morning hours of May 17th. The victim returned home just before 3 a.m., only to find that his home had been broken into, his window shattered - and his dog killed.

Detectives believe the suspect entered through a back window of the residence, and probably didn’t expect to be greeted by Divinity - the family dog.

“The shots weren’t random. They appeared to go in a downward motion… maybe while the dog was coming after him or trying to attack," Grau said.

What may provide some additional information in this case is DNA. Police were able to take some blood samples from the dog’s mouth after the attack - potentially of the person who broke in that night.

But in the meantime, police are reliant on the public for any information on who may have committed this crime.

Detectives are hopeful the unusual nature of this crime will have people talking – and that someone will come forward with information.

“If someone had dog bites or maybe a friend or relative noticed it and they couldn’t explain it," Grau said.

Although it seems the suspect was scared off before they had a chance to steal any property, they stole something far more important to the victim - the life of the family pet. And once they’re caught, they’ll be charged with armed burglary, cruelty to animals, and two other felony charges.

Anyone with information on the break-in of this Cape Coral home, and the killing of the victim’s dog, is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for up to $1,000 in cash rewards.