DENVER (KDVR) — A driver who hit and killed a dog was allegedly assaulted after stopping to let the owner know, according to a press release from the Weld County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident took place on Jan. 3, around 3:46 p.m.
The driver was traveling on Weld County Road 45 when a dog ran onto the road, and the driver was unable to swerve or stop to avoid it, the Weld County Sheriff’s Office reports. They stopped and pulled over to inform and apologize to the owners, a man identified as Anthony Smith, 38, and a juvenile male.
Investigators reported that Smith and the juvenile approached the vehicle, screaming and allegedly assaulted the victim while demanding money for the death of their dog and also tried to take the watch of the victim.
The juvenile began to search the interior of the vehicle for anything of value, the investigators reported.
After the alleged assault, the victim said that Smith damaged one of the car’s rear-view mirrors.
Immediately after the incident, the victim went to the Hudson Police Department to report it, but Hudson police concluded that the area was outside of their jurisdiction and informed the Weld County Sheriff’s Office, which sent deputies to the 3300 block of Weld County Road 45 to investigate.
The victim was taken to the hospital and treated for non-serious injuries.
Deputies responded the same day and arrested Smith, who faces charges, including:
- Criminal attempt to commit a class-four felony
- Third-degree assault
- Criminal mischief (under $300 in damages)
- First-degree criminal trespass
- First-degree contributing to the delinquency of a minor
The juvenile was also contacted by the deputies and faces charges, including:
- Robbery
- Criminal attempt to commit a class-four felony
- Third-degree assault — causes bodily injury
- First-degree criminal trespass on a motor vehicle
The identity of the juvenile will not be released.