Officers responding to reports of potential animal cruelty in East Chicago say they heard a dog yelping inside a home, then found a dog with facial injuries and blood on the kitchen floor — and that the situation escalated when the man inside allegedly pulled a gun on them. Brian L. Cole, 47, now faces multiple felony charges in connection with the incident.
Yelping Dog Led Officers to the Door
According to The Times, police were responding to reports of potential animal cruelty in East Chicago when they heard a dog yelping from inside the residence. Officers say they ultimately found a dog with facial injuries and blood on the kitchen floor, along with a female pit bull found inside a cage.
The report indicates Cole allegedly refused to open the door for officers and cursed at them during the encounter. The situation reportedly escalated further when Cole allegedly pulled a gun and pointed the firearm at police, according to the same account.
Cole Denies Abuse
Cole reportedly told officers he did not abuse his dog and that discipline was necessary, per the outlet's report.
Cole was taken into custody and was charged with multiple felonies, the report states. He appeared to remain in custody at the Lake County Jail.
How to Follow the Case
Specific felony charges, a case number, bond amount, or scheduled court date were not available in the reporting reviewed for this story. Anyone seeking an upcoming court date or a document not available online is directed by the Indiana Judicial Branch to contact the local court directly.
