Arrest in Theft of Car, Death of Dog

Portland Police have taken a man into custody with the theft of a car and the death of a dog.

The man has been identified by police as Francisco Vincent Gonzalez. He was caught on surveillance tape driving away with the car with the dog inside.

The dog, Kona, can be seen climbing into the front seat.

The car was later recovered with Kona inside.

Kona was dead, curled up in the front seat.

"You can see Kona run up from the back seat," Kona;s owner, William Robbins told Patch earlier this week. "He didn't know this guy, he just knew the car was going to move. He had no idea there was anything wrong.

"I taught him to be friendly, to love people. I should have taught him to defend himself."

The arrest Thursday came at the Super Value Inn In Northeast Portland. Gonzalez was staying in a room rented by his wife, Linda Kathy Gutierrez.

Gonzalez had a medium-sized dog with him. The dog was turned over to Multnomah County Animal Control who later released it to his daughter.

He is charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, unlawful use of a vehicle, aggravated animal abuse, possession of methamphetamine, and two counts of first degree theft.

Guttierez was also taken into custody later at a different address. She is charged with hindering prosecution.

"I'm so glad they caught him," William Robbins told Patch Thursday night after hearing about the arrest. "It doesn't bring Kona back but it feels good.

"The police did a really good job. I am so glad they got him. And it sounds like he is going to face a bunch of charges."

It turns out that the suspect has had previous run-ins with the law, according to sources who say he may face charges beyond those connected to the theft of the car and the death of Kona.

"I am just so thankful that they got him," William says, "I had come to Portland (from his home in Ashland) because I wanted to help keep looking.

"I couldn't sleep, couldn't eat. It's going to be tough for while but I can slowly start moving forward."

Williams says several friends have tried to get him to think about a new dog.

"But I can't do that," he says. "Not yet anyway. I need to mourn my Kona. I miss him so much and I still feel I let him down.

"He was a good boy and he didn't deserve what happened to him."

For more on Kona and William, read this story.