LACFD: Sheriff recommends charges against Fire Chief

Riverside County Sheriff recommends charges against Los Angeles county Fire Chief

Riverside County sheriff's detectives believe a Los Angeles County assistant fire chief committed animal cruelty crimes in the beating death of his neighbor's dog, a sheriff's captain said Wednesday.

Sheriff's investigators submitted their case to the district attorney's office Wednesday, recommending that Glynn Johnson face charges in the puppy's death, Riverside County sheriff's Capt. James McElvain said.

"Anytime we submit a case to the district attorney, we believe there's a violation of the law suitable for prosecution," McElvain said. "We believe there's a strong enough case for criminal prosecution. It's left to the DA to determine if there's enough evidence to file charges."

Deputies are investigating the beating of the Toole family's 6-month-old puppy, Karley, on Nov. 3 in a Woodcrest neighborhood outside Riverside.

Johnson said the dog bit his thumb and wouldn't let go, so he had to hit her with a rock until she stopped. The dog was euthanized because of her injuries.

No arrests have been made in the case. Before an arrest can be made, the district attorney's office would have to issue a warrant, McElvain said.

The Toole family said their dog was not vicious, and a neighbor who saw the incident did not see the dog attack Johnson.

Family members believe Johnson intentionally hurt the dog.

Authorities had said they were unable to locate Johnson by phone or at his home.

Reached at his home by a reporter Wednesday morning, Johnson said he was unable to comment further about the case and said he had talked to investigators.

Johnson declined to answer further questions after being contacted by deputies hours later, Riverside County sheriff's Sgt. Dennis Gutierrez said.

He was first interviewed by deputies at a hospital while being treated for his injuries.

The district attorney's office has not said when a decision about filing charges will be made.