Weld County, CO – A routine drive through rural Weld County turned violent Friday afternoon after a driver accidentally struck a dog that ran into the roadway, then was allegedly assaulted by the dog’s owner and a juvenile.
According to the Weld County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO), deputies responded to a disturbance on Friday, January 3, at 3:46 p.m. in the 3300 block of Weld County Road 45, after Hudson Police determined the incident occurred in WCSO’s jurisdiction.
Investigators said the driver was traveling on County Road 45 when a dog suddenly ran into the roadway. The driver was unable to slow down or swerve and accidentally hit and killed the animal. Deputies said the driver stopped, parked his vehicle, and approached the dog’s owners to inform them of what happened and to apologize.
According to WCSO, the dog’s owner, Anthony Smith, 38, and a juvenile male allegedly confronted the driver while yelling. Smith and the juvenile are accused of assaulting the driver, demanding money for the dog, and attempting to steal the driver’s watch. Deputies said the juvenile allegedly entered the victim’s vehicle and searched for valuables.
After the alleged assault ended, Smith is accused of damaging the victim’s exterior vehicle mirror.
The driver left the scene and drove to the Hudson Police Department to report the incident. He was later transported to a local hospital, where he was treated for non-serious injuries, according to deputies.
Smith was contacted and arrested the same day on suspicion of criminal attempt to commit a class four felony, third-degree assault, criminal mischief under $300, first-degree criminal trespass, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
The juvenile, whose identity will not be released, faces charges including robbery, criminal attempt to commit a class four felony, third-degree assault causing bodily injury, and first-degree criminal trespass on a motor vehicle.
All charges are allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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