The man suspected in the killing of a dog during a burglary in West Hollywood was in custody Monday.
Anmol Bhatia, 27, was arrested about 8 p.m. Sunday and was being held without bail, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department online inmate records.
Bhatia had been described as a person of interest by investigators, who had disseminated home security video of a suspect believed to be Bhatia entering the home in the 1200 block of Harper Avenue, one block north of Santa Monica Boulevard and one block east of Sweetzer Avenue, around 11:35 p.m. on Sept. 4.
Bhatia’s name and image were shared with the public by investigators.
“Deputy personnel contacted the victim, who informed them the residence was burglarized, and his pet dog was deceased,” according to a sheriff’s department statement. “The victim reviewed and showed deputies video surveillance from inside the residence.”
The video shows the suspect enter the residence without permission before abusing the small dog until it became unresponsive, according to the sheriff’s department.
“The dog was found deceased by the victim and the responding deputies,” according to an sheriff’s department statement that said the investigation into the alleged burglary and animal abuse is ongoing. Bhatia is reportedly a former roommate of the victim.
Anyone with information regarding the case was urged to call detectives at the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station at 310-855-8850.