Dog Killer Caught Despite Haircut: Baltimore County Police

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — The man accused of beating a Chihuahua to death with glass bottles over the winter in Baltimore County has been arrested, according to police. Officials said that they took the alleged dog killer into custody this week.

Jerome Irvin Luedtke Jr., 33, has been charged with aggravated animal cruelty, police reported on Friday, April 27.

A warrant was issued for his arrest nearly three months ago, on Jan. 29, but authorities said they were unable to find him.

"Police believe Luedtke shaved his head in an effort to avoid apprehension," officials said in a statement released Friday, April 27.

Authorities released Luedtke's photo at the end of March in hopes of locating him with help from the public.

Police said that Luedtke hit Ginger the Chihuahua numerous times with two different large glass bottles after the dog bit his hand on Jan. 13. His roommate tried to call an ambulance for the dog and when that did not work, authorities said she convinced Luedtke to take the pet to the vet.

When they brought the dog to the Pet ER in the 1200 block of Cromwell Bridge Road around 6:30 a.m. on Jan. 13, the roommates provided conflicting accounts of how the dog became injured, according to police, who were called to the Towson clinic by staff there when the severely beaten dog was brought in for treatment.

Investigators said they determined that Luedtke was responsible for the severe head trauma to the dog and obtained a warrant for his arrest.

Authorities reported placing him under arrest at 1:35 p.m. on Wednesday, April 25.

Photos courtesy of the Baltimore County Police Department.

SEE ALSO:

• Man Wanted In Chihuahua Death: Baltimore County Police
• Councilman Sponsors Bill To Reduce Animal Abuse
• Baltimore County Creates Animal Investigation Team In Police Department