A Bella Vista man was arrested Friday, Nov. 15, in connection with animal cruelty, after reports of a dog with a gunshot wound.
Mark Mittermeier, 64, was charged with aggravated animal cruelty and criminal mischief in the first degree, both felonies.
On August 29, 2019, Bella Vista officers and Bella Vista Animal Control took a report of a pet dog named Copper who was shot in the groin. Later, officers were advised Copper became septic and died. The veterinarian clinic removed a pellet from Copper and brought the pellet to the Police Department. It was determined the pellet caused the injuries which resulted in the death of the dog. As the investigation continued and interviews conducted, a search warrant was executed at Mittermeier's residence on Leyburn Lane.
Pellet guns and pellets were seized from the residence as a result of the search warrant and were sent to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory, along with the pellet removed from Copper. Forensic analysis of the pellet rifles found that a pellet fired from one of Mittermeier's rifles matched the pellet removed from Copper.
A warrant was issued for Mittermeier's arrest. On Friday, Nov. 15, 2019, officers served the warrant at Mittermeier's residence. He was taken to the Benton County Jail and released Saturday, Nov. 16 on bond. His trial is set for Monday, Jan. 6, 2020.
General News on 11/20/2019