Suspect in video beating of dog, Theophilus J. Burke, surrenders to police

NEW YORK -- The man being sought by authorities in connection with the videotaped beating of a dog in a city park turned himself in Tuesday, according to the Poughkeepsie Police Department.

Theophilus J. Burke, 37, of Brooklyn, was being held pending his arraignment for animal cruelty, police said.

 

 

A warrant for Burke’s arrest was issued after video footage showed him beating a dog in Pulaski Park, near Talmadge Street, shortly before 8 a.m. Dec. 28.

Police responded to the park soon after seeing the video, but the man and dog were gone.

The dog, named Gizmo, was found last Thursday in Brooklyn with the assistance of New York Police Department Officers.

Gizmo, who is 2 to 3 years old and believed to be a Maltese, appeared to be in good health, Poughkeepsie police said. They said Gizmo is being kept at a local shelter.

(Oneida Dispatch - Feb 4, 2015)