Grand Junction, CO - On October 11, 2025, at approximately 6:30 p.m., officers with the Grand Junction Police Department were dispatched to a report of a dog being struck by a vehicle.
Through the investigation, officers determined that an individual was driving with his dog after a walk near the Gunnison River in Mesa County when he was followed by another male driving a gold sedan. When the victim stopped at Hawthorne Park, located at 400 Gunnison Avenue, the alleged suspect confronted him, attempting to provoke a physical altercation regarding the victim’s driving behavior. A verbal dispute ensued.
During the confrontation, the dog jumped from the vehicle window and began barking at the suspect. The suspect kicked the dog before returning to his vehicle. The suspect then struck the dog with his vehicle and fled the area.
Despite life-saving measures, the dog succumbed to injuries sustained after being struck by the vehicle.
Following an extensive investigation, the suspect was identified as 32-year-old Dylan Lange. A warrant for his arrest was issued in connection with this incident.
On December 30, 2025, law enforcement arrested Lange, who was transported to the Mesa County Detention Facility.
Lange was charged with Criminal Mischief, Harassment, and Cruelty to Animals – Reckless or Criminal Negligence Resulting in Torture, Mutilation, or Death.
This incident remains under investigation. No additional information is available at this time.