Suspect arrested in Jurupa Valley animal shelter break-in

The Riverside County Sheriffs Department confirmed to KESQ News Channel 3 / CBS Local 2 News an arrest has been madein a break-in at the County’s Jurupa Valley Animal Shelter.

Jason Johnson, 42, was in custody Thursday morning, taken into custody by deputies from the Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station.

Deputies found him along the 2000 block of Adams Street in Riverside, then booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center.

The weekend break-in at the county animal shelter in Jurupa Valley and the resulting loss of 11 dogs, including four that died.

Riverside County sheriff’s officials said Jason Johnson was captured on surveillance video carrying out the break-in.

Sheriff’s officials had said Johnson went to the facility with plans to take some pit bulls that were quarantined at the shelter. It was unclear if he owned the dogs, which were facing possible euthanasia.

A $35,000 reward was being offered leading to Johnson’s arrest and conviction.

Authorities confirmed Monday that a total of four dogs died as a result of the burglary, and seven other canines were set loose or carried off.

The Sheriffs Department says the investigation is ongoing and no further details about the investigation will be released.

A statement did thank the public and media for their help in the investigation.