Sheriff's Department Investigating Shooting Of Pit Bull

PERRIS, Calif. (AP) - Authorities in Riverside County have arrested a man on suspicion of shooting to death his neighbor's dog near Perris.

Sheriff's officials say a family reported their 2-year-old pit bull was shot at point-blank range Friday in the Mead Valley area.

Officials say responding officers found the dead dog and arrested Christopher Samuel. He could face charges including animal cruelty and negligent discharge of a firearm. It wasn't immediately known if Samuel has an attorney.

Department of Animal Services spokesman John Welsh says his agency picked up the dog and will perform a necropsy as part of standard procedure.

The Press-Enterprise newspaper says the sheriff's department is investigating the incident.