An Arizona man has been formally charged after being arrested on suspicion of dragging a pit bull behind his truck while driving drunk earlier this month on north Main Avenue.
Sixth Judicial District Attorney Christian Champagne filed the charges Friday against Nathan Begay, 41, who works as an electrician in Durango.
Charges include: one count of aggravated cruelty to animals, a Class 6 felony; driving under the influence, a misdemeanor; and driving without a valid driver’s license.
Witnesses told law enforcement they saw a pickup dragging a chain with a dead dog around 9:30 p.m. Aug. 6. One person took pictures as Begay exited the vehicle, so intoxicated he could barely stand, according to arresting documents. He unchained the dead dog and left its body in the middle of the road, according to arresting documents.
At a court hearing earlier this month, Begay’s attorney said Begay is “deeply, deeply sorry” for the “tragic accident.”
As of Friday, Begay remains in custody at the La Plata County Jail. His bail has been set at $5,000. His next court appearance is scheduled for 10 a.m. Sept. 6.
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