Police say they were forced to kill a dog during a foot pursuit with an alleged burglar.
According to court paperwork, on Feb. 17, police chased a burglar who may be linked to multiple burglaries in the Valley. During the incident, officers were forced to shoot and kill a victim's dog.
Police reported that they had 22-year-old Matthew Luis Campos under surveillance after receiving information that led them to believe he was responsible for several burglaries in the area of 69th Avenue and Bethany Home Road.
They watched Campos as he and his teenage sister left their home and walked through the neighborhood. They reportedly saw Campos "coaching her on what they were going to do regarding the burglary." The sister reportedly would knock on doors to see if anyone was home as Campos watched from down the street.
When Campos entered the home, the sister served as a lookout and contacted Campos when a victim returned home with Campos still inside the house.
Police jumped in and were able to capture the sister a short distance away. Campos, however, ran and jumped over several fences through many backyards.
As police pursued him into backyards, they came across a pit bull in the backyard of one of the homes. The dog attacked the officers, and they were forced to shoot and kill the animal.
Campos was eventually tracked down and caught by police. They say stolen merchandise was found in Campos’ pockets and a backpack being held by his sister.
After his arrest, Campos allegedly admitted to the theft and using his sister as a lookout.
He’s been charged with burglary and criminal trespassing.
