Reward offered after dog found dead, home burglarized

Submitted by Editor on Fri, 01/06/2012 - 12:47pm

A Carson Valley family away for New Year's Eve came back home to find one of their four dogs dead and their home broken into but nothing missing. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office wants anyone who knows about the crime to report it. A reward of $250 is being offered for information.

Here is a news release issued by Douglas County Sheriff's Sgt. Jim Halsey:

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in identifying the person(s) responsible for killing a family dog and possibly attempting to burglarize a home in the Gardnerville Ranchos on New Years Eve.

The Hyden family, who reside on Jobs Peak Dr., were away from their home from approximately 8:30 pm Saturday night (12/31/11) to 1:00 am Sunday morning (01/01/12). Upon returning home, the Hyden’s found one of their four dogs lying dead in their driveway. The dog appeared to have been run over by a vehicle.

The Hyden’s also noted a side gate to their backyard was open and ajar. Upon entering the backyard, they discovered two more of their dogs were present; however one additional family dog was missing (later located).

When they checked their property further, the Hyden’s discovered a screen from a sliding glass door at the rear of the residence was off-track.

The Hyden’s reported they left their four dogs inside their residence when they went out for the evening. They believed the person(s) responsible for letting the dogs out may have been attempting to burglarize their home while they were away.

No items were missing from the home or yard. It is unknown if the dogs chased off the suspect(s) prior to any theft occurring.

Investigation into this incident is continuing, and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in developing any suspects or leads.

A reward of up to $250.00 is available for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to call Secret Witness at:
775-78-CRIME (775-782-7463); or DCSO Investigations Division at: 775-782-9905.