Dog Shot With BB Pellets, Run Over; Bloomington Police Searching For 2 Suspects
Originally published Nov. 23, 2021
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Authorities in the Twin Cities are asking the public's help identifying persons of interest in an animal cruelty case.
The Bloomington Police Department said in an update Wednesday that a dog was found in the city with "obvious injuries" to its face and body. The injured dog is "recovering" and "comfortable" after receiving care at a local veterinary clinic.
According to police, the investigation has determined that two people left the dog near a road in the area of 106th Street and Morgan Avenue. Police say they shot a BB gun at the dog and backed over the animal as they left the area.
"There's evidence something went on inside the vehicle," said Detective Bill King. "We found more BBs. There was blood everywhere inside the vehicle."
Investigators released surveillance images of the persons of interest in the case. One image shows a woman at a gas station. She is wearing gray sneakers, gray sweatpants and a black jacket. She has bright orange/red hair.
Another image shows her with a man. The man is wearing a white jacket, black pants, a dark-colored hat, and glasses.
Police say the vehicle used during the animal cruelty incident was stolen, and was recovered in St. Paul.
The dog's veterinary care included eye removal surgery and procedures to remove the BB pellets from its right leg and other body areas. One of the vets who helped care for the dog says three more pellets are still inside.
That woman is fostering the dog right now during the recovery. She's considering adopting her.
The dog visited the Bloomington Police Department Wednesday. She's believed to be a Rottweiler-shepherd mix about a year old.
Anyone with information in the case is asked to call investigators at 952-563-4689.
"This isn't just something minor," said Bloomington Detective George Harms, who's helping investigate the case. "It's pretty serious. Surprisingly the dog was able to survive."
