Heroin-Using Dog Owner Threatens To Shoot Animal Control Staff: Police

SEVERN, MD — A man who police suspect passed out while using heroin in the parking lot of a Severn Walmart store was cited for letting his bulldog be overcome by heat during the episode. But police say the humane euthanization of Diesel, the bulldog, led to the owner threatening to kill officers at the Anne Arundel County Animal Control facility.

Authorities say the saga began July 12 when police were called to the Walmart at 407 George Clauss Boulevard in Severn for a report of animal neglect. Callers said a man — later identified as James Rufus Huckaby, 37, of the 400 block of Glen Mar Road in Glen Burnie — appeared to be passed out or sleeping in his silver Nissan Titan pickup truck. A bulldog in the back seat appeared to be in distress. When officers arrived at Walmart they reportedly saw the suspect dragging his dog on a leash in the parking lot. (Get Patch’s daily newsletter and real time news alerts, or like us on Facebook.)

Huckaby told police officers he fell asleep in his pickup truck while waiting to give his friend a ride when they finished work. During a search of Huckaby’s vehicle, officers reportedly found five clear capsules of suspected heroin and two cut straws with a powder residue believed to be used to snort heroin.

Police said the bulldog, named Diesel, appeared dehydrated and was suffering from heat exhaustion. Animal Control workers who responded to the scene immediately took the dog to an emergency veterinary clinic after Diesel tried to get up, stumbled and collapsed. Because of the rapid deterioration of the dog’s health and the poor prognosis, the veterinarian recommended euthanizing the dog to alleviate further suffering. Police say Diesel was humanely euthanized in accordance with veterinary recommendations.

Huckaby was charged with possession of heroin, possession of paraphernalia, and animal cruelty in that incident.

Two days later, police were called to the Anne Arundel County Animal Control Facility, 411 Maxwell Frye Road in Millersville, for a report of threats of violence to officers. Animal Control volunteers and visitors said a man in a silver Nissan Titan was overheard in the parking lot on his cell phone saying repeatedly that he was going to kill police officers for shooting his dog. They immediately ran into the building, locked the doors, and called police.

The suspect fled the facility before police arrived, but officers went to Huckaby’s residence and he was taken into custody without incident. Huckaby was charged with threats of violence, disorderly conduct, and disturbing the peace.

Photo of James Huckaby, courtesy of Anne Arundel County Police