Man charged with animal cruelty, assault in Brighton

BRIGHTON, Colo. —

A 32-year-old man in Brighton is facing animal cruelty and assault charges after killing a cat, the Brighton Police Department said Thursday.

The department posted an announcement on social media that Jose Gordillo has been charged with one count of aggravated cruelty to animals, a felony, and one count of third-degree assault, a class one misdemeanor.

Brighton Police said the charges came after they filed a felony animal cruelty case with the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

The charges stem from an incident on Oct. 29, where police said officers responded to a report of a disturbance in the 200 block of Balsam Avenue. 

When officers arrived, police said they found that Gordillo had killed a cat and then assaulted a man before running away. Police said they found Gordillo in the 400 block of North Main Street and took him into custody. 

“Acts of cruelty toward animals have no place in Brighton,” Police Chief Matt Domenico said in a statement. “Our officers are deeply committed to protecting the most vulnerable. We will continue to share information about felony animal cruelty cases in our city and work to hold offenders accountable.” 

To report any acts of violence or unusual behavior involving animals, the department said residents should call 303-288-1535 or 911 in emergency situations.