GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Steven Clay Romero, 37, of Grand Junction was arrested Thursday on felony charges of animal cruelty for the dragging death of a dog up Rim Rock Drive in the Colorado National Monument.

National Park Service rangers arrested Romero as he exited a courtroom at Mesa County Courthouse where he was making an appearance for unrelated charges.

Romero is alleged to have taken, Buddy, a German shepherd-blue heeler mix, stolen by others from Delta, to Colorado National Monument in the early morning hours of Wednesday, tying a rope around his neck, attaching him to his truck, and dragging him for two miles up the west hill of Rim Rock Drive.

The dog died of strangulation and was dumped at the roadside.

A National Park Service employee discovered the scene at 4:30 a.m.

A crime tip line was initiated and the tips received were key in leading park rangers and other law enforcement personnel to the suspect.

The investigation is ongoing and additional information will be provided when it becomes available.