WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah, June 15, 2017 (Gephardt Daily) — Police want the public to know that the dog connected to the fatal hit and run of Jeremy Hardman, 47, has been found and is doing OK.
In a Facebook post shortly before 1 p.m. Thursday, West Valley City Police said they have received numerous inquiries about the dog that Aaron Hosman was reported to have been beating on June 7, when he was confronted by Hardman.
According to the post, Hardman and a friend had witnessed Hosman “roughly handling” the small dog near 3600 West and 4100 South.
“Hardman and his friend confronted Hosman and argued with him over his treatment of the animal,” the post says. “At some point, Aaron Hosman returned to his vehicle, made a U-turn and hit Jeremy Hardman as he was in the crosswalk at this location. Hosman then fled the scene.
“Evidence indicated that the act of hitting Hardman was intentional. Investigators subsequently located and booked Hosman into the Salt Lake County Jail on charges of murder and obstruction of justice.”
The post goes on to say Hosman told police he had returned the dog to its owner, a friend of his. Investigators were unable to immediately find the owner or the dog, but through the diligence of the investigators and officers, the owner has been found, as has Buddi, the Chihuahua.
Police and West Valley City Animal Services partnered to have Buddi examined, and they confirm that the dog is fine and is with his owner.
“We appreciate the passion and compassion that drives our investigators and officers to do the very best job possible for victims, their families and even, as in Buddi’s case, the smallest among us,” the post states.
