Florida Today

A 19-year-old Palm Bay man has been arrested and charged after police say he committed burglary and stabbed a dog, leaving it for dead.

Markell Sawyer, 19, of Palm Bay was taken into custody on Saturday and charged with armed burglary of a dwelling or structure, grand theft from a building of more than $300 but less than $5,000, criminal mischief of less than $200, felony animal cruelty causing death pain and suffering, dealing in stolen property and first-degree felony criminal attempt to solicit.

He is currently being held in the Brevard County Jail without bond.

The Palm Bay Police Department says that the suspect was wanted in the incident which took place on July 24 on Salia Street.

During a burglary, the suspect is alleged to have stabbed a Yorkie Terrier named Jasper and left the dog for dead.

Jasper is currently recovering from his injuries.

As part of an investigation, the Palm Bay Juvenile Task Force recovered property taken from the burglary during a juvenile check.

"We take all crime serious, but this was very shocking," said Lt. Mike Bandish with the Palm Bay Police Department in a statement on Facebook.

The dog's owner, John Kilderry, says he feels a sense of relief.

"The fact that the person's in prison with no bond, it's a tremendous relief to me," said Kilderry.

Kilderry did add that there was a "sense of a loss of security with the break-in" but that he would remain in his residence. He would however, take more precautions moving forward.

"I believe I’m going to stay here. I was thinking of moving but I think what I’m going to do is put in a security system with cameras and hopefully go from there and that’ll be enough security," Kilderry added.

Contact Bonanno at 321-242-3662, cbonanno@floridatoday.com or follow Chris on Twitter @FTChrisBonanno.