OCEANSIDE, Calif. (KGTV) - A Navy veteran is accused of assaulting two Oceanside Huskies and stealing two other dogs - one of which that's still missing.
Oceanside Police Department said Wednesday David Herbert, 36, was arrested and charged with multiple counts of animal abuse, multiple counts of vandalism, two counts of petty theft, residential burglary, and using a deadly weapon.
RELATED: Stalker targets and tortures Oceanside dogs
Herbert, a disabled veteran who served in the US Navy for six years, is accused of assaulting two Huskies in April of this year and stealing two other dogs in May, according to OPD.
Police said on April 28, homeowners in the 3900 block of Carino Way reported their two Huskies had been brutally assaulted in their home. One of the dog’s eyes was gouged and the other suffered acid burns inside and outside its body.
The family moved out from the home immediately.
RELATED: Has an animal torturer struck again?
Then on May 30, OPD was notified that two dogs had gone missing from the same home. One of the new tenant's dog was recovered by a neighbor but the other was never located.
Neighbors told 10News they think the same person who broke into the home in April was also responsible for the dogs' disappearance.
That family has also since moved out.
RELATED: Search warrant served in Oceanside dog torture case
During the course of the investigation, OPD said they had reason to believe a neighbor, Herbert, was linked to the disappearance.
On June 1, police served a search warrant at Herbert's home and recovered items leading them to believe the missing dog had been the subject of a "violent assault" and was severely injured. The dog, LaLa, has still not been found and her whereabouts are unknown.
On Wednesday, OPD said a search of Herbert's home for additional items was underway. Police reported finding DNA evidence from at least one of the dogs inside Herbert's vehicle and on a baseball bat.
Herbert is currently being held at Vista Detention Facility on $1 million bail. He's scheduled to be in court Sept. 10.
