Davie PD Arrests Suspected Gunman Wanted For Killing Caged Dog

DAVIE (CBSMiami) – The Davie Police Department says it's arrested the suspected gunman wanted for killing a dog boarded at a local kennel.

Chayse Billie, who was taken into custody Tuesday, is being charged with felony aggravated animal cruelty.

"I thought I saw bullet casing in one of the corners and I said call 911 to report that she had been shot," said Javier Borrero, the owner of Aycock Veterinarian Clinic.

In surveillance video of that shooting, police say you see Billie walk over to a cage in the back of the veterinarian clinic in Davie and open fire.

The shooting happened Friday. Borrero, the owner of that clinic, says when he got to work, he found Matilda, a mixed-breed lab, dead.

"I rushed in and I looked at her and turned her over and then I saw all the blood on the floor and the holes in her back," added Borrero.

WATCH: Keith Jones Report On Arrest Of Chayse Billie

Matilda belonged to Miami-Dade Firefighter Daniel Perez, who recused the dog after returning from Afghanistan. He says she played an instrumental role in his reassimilation to everyday life.

"I just picked up the dog because I heard animals were good for therapy. I would say that's the last thing that I needed to clear my mind and be functional, so that I could continue my job, my civilian job. I think of it was not for her I would be in a different position I guess," said Perez.

Perez says after nine deployments he was suffering with PTSD. But having Matilda around changed his outlook on everything.

"I would say she saved my life," Perez.

For eight years, Perez and Borrero had a special agreement to drop Matilda off around 6 a.m. at the outdoor kennel. And when they opened up at 7:30 a.m., she would be taken inside. But all that changed with the shooting.

"No animal deserves this. She was a very lovable dog," added Perez

After CBS4 broke this story Sunday, Davie police put out a flyer. With help from the public, police arrested Billie for the shooting. CBS4's camera was rolling when he was booked into the Broward County Jail.

But both Borrero and Perez say it will not take the pain away.

"It just hurts," said Borrero.

"I never thought an animal would impact a human being, I will miss her," added Perez.