Monroe Police report what started as an animal cruelty investigation on Monday resulted in the arrest of a 30-year-old man for possession of a stolen semi-automatic rifle and methamphetamine.
Officers responded to a report of a dead dog inside a box at the front door of a house in the 15400 block of 182nd Avenue on Monday, where they found a dead black puppy, according to a Monroe Police news release.
Acting on a report by a witness that more puppies were inside, officers were able to make contact with the resident the next day. Monroe Police report the man said the puppies were sick and had not seen a veterinarian, and also declined an offer by officers to take them.
A search warrant for second-degree animal cruelty was served on the residence later that day, where officers found two dead puppies and seven 3-week-old puppies in various stages of neglect, according to the news release. The living puppies were taken to the Everett Animal Shelter — one more puppy died overnight. MPD administrative director Debbie Willis tells the Monitor another puppy died at the shelter on Wednesday.
A necropsy report provided by a veterinarian showed the deceased pups were underweight and dehydrated, and there was a probable secondary respiratory infection.
Monroe Police reportedly found suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and a gun safe during their initial search, prompting officers to seek a second search warrant for weapons and narcotics.
The 30-year-old suspect is a convicted felon, according to the MPD, and prohibited from possessing firearms.
Monroe Police report a Springfield Armory rifle found in the residence was connected to a Granite Falls burglary, and the suspected narcotics tested positive for meth. Willis said it’s unclear at this time whether the Monroe man is suspected in that burglary or possibly purchased the stolen firearm.
The Monroe man was booked in the Snohomish County Jail for possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), unlawful possession of firearms and possession of stolen firearm. Animal cruelty charges are pending, according to the MPD.
Photos courtesy of Monroe Police: Officers found two dead puppies and seven living ones while serving a search warrant at a residence in the 15400 block of 182nd Avenue on Tuesday, April 24. Two died in as many days after being taken to an animal shelter.Police report this Springfield Armory rifle found in the residence was connected to a Granite Falls burglary.
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