Suspect Identified in Animal Shelter Break-In

Ten dogs ran loose in the streets of Jurupa, leading to four of them dying - two of which died after presumably getting hit by cars.

A suspect accused of breaking into the Riverside County Animal Control Shelter and letting multiple dogs loose – four of which died after roaming free on the street – has been named by police as Jason Johnson on Wednesday.

A search is underway for the man who faces 22 counts of vandalism, one count of burglary, and four counts of animal cruelty.

The Jurupa Valley Police Department responded to a vandalism call on Sept. 13 after an employee arrived and found multiple dogs loose.

When police arrived, they found the kennels had been tampered with, which resulted in 36 dogs running loose.

Pools of blood were found in the parking lot along with two dead dogs: a Chihuahua and a Yorkshire terrier.

A German shepherd and a pit bull mix were also found dead nearby in the street, likely hit by cars.

A $35,000 reward was offered which led to two witnesses stepping forward and identifying Johnson.

One dog has been adopted after the break in.

Detectives believe Johnson may be on his way to the Las Vegas or Fresno.

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