A man has been arrested after allegedly firing multiple gunshots at a dog, including one shot after opening a vehicle door to reach the animal, following an encounter involving his daughter.
On Saturday, April 26, 2025, at approximately 5:00 p.m., Leon County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the 2100 block of Heathrow Drive in North Tallahassee after receiving reports of gunfire and a possible dog bite involving a child.
Deputies made contact with the dog’s owners, who stated their pet had gotten loose and approached the suspect’s daughter. The suspect, identified as 30-year-old John Robert-Clayton Pender, discharged a firearm at the dog. The owners then placed the dog inside their vehicle. According to reports, Pender opened the vehicle door and fired an additional round, striking the dog.
The dog sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Deputies noted that the child did not appear to have been injured. Pender fled the scene before deputies arrived but was located and arrested the next day.
Pender has been charged with Armed Burglary of a Conveyance, Aggravated Animal Cruelty, and Child Abuse for causing extreme mental distress. The investigation remains ongoing.
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