On July 16, 2024, deputies with the Mesa County Sheriff's Office responded to the Connected Lakes area on multiple reports of someone dragging a dog behind their vehicle.  Witnesses observed the dog being dragged while tied to the back of a vehicle. They advised deputies they were honking and yelling at the vehicle to stop, but it continued on. Several other people in the area also tried to get the vehicle to stop without success.  Witnesses on the scene provided a license plate number that came back to registered owner Melton Brown.

Mr. Brown was located at an emergency veterinarian's office with his dog several hours later.  The dog, a 9-month-old blue heeler, suffered severe injuries and had already been euthanized prior to the arrival of deputies.  When questioned, Mr. Brown stated he normally tied his dog to the back of his car during the day and forgot the dog was still tied to the vehicle until after he had driven away. Brown also stated that he never saw or noticed anyone attempting to get his attention or try to stop him as he drove.

Melton Brown was taken into custody and transported to the Mesa County Detention Facility where he was booked on one count of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals, a class Four Felony (F4).  For updated bond amounts, visit the Mesa County Sheriff's Office website.