Man Shot Neighbor's Dog In Nose In Aurora: Officials

AURORA, IL — On the evening of March 10, police received a call that an 8.5-year-old German Shepherd named Jameson was shot in the nose. Now, about a month later, a 61-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the incident, officials said.

On Tuesday, Aurora police apprehended 61-year-old John Fazzini, of the 300 block of Shadybrook Lane, on an active warrant following a traffic stop. He was charged with one count of aggravated cruelty to animals, one count of reckless discharge of a firearm and one count of criminal damage to property, all Class 4 felonies.

The man appeared in court Wednesday, where his bond was set for $100,000, with 10 percent to apply.

Police responded to the Shadybrook Lane house around 9 p.m. March 10 where they found the dog, whose nickname is Jamo, laying on the porch. He had been shot once on the right side of his nose, and the bullet exited below his left ear, according to police.

Earlier, around 8:45 p.m., Jamo was on a walk with his owners, including a 10-year-old girl, when the group encountered Fazzini walking his dog across the street. Police said when Fazzini's dog began barking, Jamo escaped his harness and ran circles around the other dog and his owner before approaching them. When Jamo was about four or five feet away from Fazzini, police said that's when the man pulled out a gun, without warning, and shot Jamo.

The German Shephard returned to his front porch, and officials allege Fazzini left the scene after the shooting.

Jamo was quickly taken to a local veterinary hospital, where he received medical attention. Officials said he has since been released and is recovering from his injuries.

"It is alleged that without provocation, Mr. Fazzini pulled out a loaded handgun and shot a family pet just feet away from family members, including a ten-year-old girl," DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said in a statement. "These allegations are simply unconscionable. This type of conduct will not be tolerated and will be met with the full force of the law. Because of his alleged actions, Mr. Fazzini is now facing three felony charges. We are all thankful that Jamo is currently safe at home and appears to be recovering well from his injuries."

Fazzini's next court appearance is set for May 4, where he'll be arraigned in front of Judge John Kinsella.

"The Aurora Police Department has zero tolerance for anyone recklessly firing a gun in our city," Aurora Police Chief Keith Cross said in a statement. "I want to thank our detectives and the DuPage County State’s Attorney's Office for their work on this case to bring justice to Jamo's family."