Man Accused of Dragging Dog Behind Truck Surrenders to Police
Tommy Larson is accused of dragging an Australian shepherd attached to a rope behind his truck for two miles. The dog was later euthanized due to the extent of her injuries. (Photo: Lincoln County Sheriff's Office)
By Larry Coonrod
WALDPORT—A man turned himself into authorities after the Lincoln County District Attorney's Office sought an arrest warrant accusing him of dragging a dog to its death behind his pickup back in April.
Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy Cody Tadlock responded to a call shortly after 5 p.m. on April 22, 2015 of a man dragging a dog on a rope attached to a Chevy S10 pickup southbound on East Eckman Creek Road about three miles east of Waldport.
Tadlock reported following blood streaks on the asphalt for nearly a mile before finding a woman trying to comfort a 1-year-old Australian shepherd named Dixie. Dixie’s front paws were worn down past where the nails should have been and there was thick blood pooling where her toes had been, according to Tadlock's statement in a June 9, 2015 probable cause affidavit filed in Lincoln County District Court.
The top of the dog’s back paws were worn off where she had been dragged and the bones were exposed above her knees.
A witness told Tadlock that he had observed the man, later identified as Tommy Larson, 21, of Tidewater, Oregon dragging the dog for two miles at an estimated speed of 35 MPH before the rope around the dog's neck came loose.
The witness reported trying to pull up alongside the pickup to make it stop multiple times only to have the driver swerve at him.
According to the probable cause affidavit, the witness reported that “every time the vehicle would swerve or go around a corner, the dog would rub against the left tire.”
Tadlock identified Larson using the license plate number recorded by the witness.
Dixie was transported to a local veterinarian service by the sheriff’s department where she was euthanized due to the extent of her injuries.
Larson told investigators he was driving around with his cousin with Dixie secured in the back of the truck with twine tied to her leash. According to the affidavit, Larson said he noticed she was gone but while turning around to go look for her he got stuck for two hours.
The DA's office filed an arrest warrant motion with the court on July 30.
