Arvada Man Charged with Killing Dog with Bow and Arrow

Zackary Scott Ruszka, 20, appeared in Jefferson County Court today and was charged with Aggravated Animal Cruelty, a class six felony, and Underage Possession/Use of Alcohol. 

On December 4, Arvada police were called to investigate a ransacked house and a dead dog in the garage at 6946 Otis Street. At the house they found Ruszka in the basement. Ruszka lived at the house with his girlfriend and her parents. The girlfriend and her parents had gone to California on a family emergency, leaving Ruszka and another roommate in charge of the house and family’s dog. 

The dog appeared to have been shot with a bow and arrow.

Ruszka was taken to the Arvada Police Department and following their investigation he was arrested and taken to the Jefferson County Detention Center.  He is being held on $5,000 bond and his next court appearance has not been set.