‘Sweet Rubyjean.’ Man abusing dog in viral Ring doorbell video arrested, Slidell cops say
Police in Slidell, Louisiana, have arrested a man a day after a viral doorbell video showed him allegedly abusing a dog.
The man, identified by Slidell police as Shane Mitchell, was placed under arrest on Tuesday after video emerged on social media that showed a man lifting a dog by the neck using a leash.
He appeared to be having an argument with someone on the other side of the door at the time.
Ring.com video of the incident quickly made the rounds on Facebook, and Slidell police let the public know that they were looking into the matter with a statement on Tuesday morning:
“Slidell Police is very well aware of the Ring doorbell video involving a man abusing a dog, This situation is not being taken lightly. The report was filed yesterday and is ACTIVELY being investigated.”
Two hours later, Slidell police posted a photo showing Mitchell in handcuffs and the dog, Rubyjean, in good health and posing for a picture.
“The beautiful sweet Rubyjean is safe,” the post said on the Slidell Police Department’s Facebook page. “Shane Mitchell is in custody.”
Mitchell, a 30-year-old from Arnaudville, Louisiana, was arrested on a warrant for cruelty to animals. The dog belongs to an estranged girlfriend, according to the police.
Mitchell, who initially refused to cooperate with authorities, was taken into custody at 11 a.m. on Tuesday after he was placed under surveillance by undercover detectives.
Rubyjean has been reunited with her owner.
“I was sick to my stomach watching the video,” Slidell police chief Randy Fandal said in a press release. “How someone can do hurt to a defensive animal is beyond me. I had the opportunity to meet Rubyjean this afternoon, and she was as sweet and well-mannered as could be. We are glad this had a happy ending for both the dog and her owner.”
The investigation is ongoing and police say there is the potential for additional charges.
This story was originally published May 12, 2020 at 2:25 PM.
