A Virginia police officer who was accused of fatally shooting his fiancée’s dog has pleaded no contest to animal cruelty.
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Richard R. Chinappi III,27, initially told police that the beagle-hound mix was killed during a bear attack that took place at their home in Powhatan County. However, a veterinary report revealed that the dog was shot at “close range” after Chinappi told investigators that he shot the bear with his shotgun while the dog was nearby.
Investigators also said there were no signs of a bear attack inside of the home and noted Chinappi appeared to be intoxicated. Additionally, they also found blood-covered Clorox wipes and a bottle of bleach.
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He has pleaded guilty to submitting a false police report for the fatal shooting of his fiancée’s dog and was place on administrative leave after his arrest. His attorney, Mark Bong, wrote a letter to the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services stating that his client will voluntarily surrender his law enforcement certification.