Norfolk, Va. - A 24-year-old Norfolk man is now behind bars after police say he caused the death of a young pitbull.
On Sunday, Norfolk police and members of the Animal Protection Unit responded to the 900 block of Virgilina Avenue at approximately 3:45 p.m. in reference to the death of a 3-month-old pitbull puppy.
Investigators say 24-year-old Cornelius Marquez Bell became agitated with an acquaintance, took her pitbull puppy from her residence, then once outside, repeatedly began to slam the puppy to the ground resulting in its death.
Bell then ran away from the scene before police arrived.
Bell was located by officers a short time later and taken into custody without incident at the intersection of A View and First View.
Bell is currently in the Norfolk City Jail, facing charges of Cruelty to Animals, a Class 6 Felony - punishable by up to five years in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
Watch NewsChannel 3 at Noon for details on this story.
