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Los Angeles County Assistant Fire Chief Glynn Johnson Beat 6 Month Old Puppy to Death


Animals  (tags: animalcruelty, crime, cruelty, death, investigation, law, pets, sadness, slaughter, suffering )

Informati
- 1297 days ago - ktla.com
According to this witness, Johnson hit the dog repeatedly with a closed fist, put his hands in the puppy's mouth and tried to break its jaws, and eventually beat the dog over the head repeatedly with a large rock from the front yard...



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Information M. (0)
Thursday November 6, 2008, 2:36 pm

Copy & Paste Link:

Video & Story

http://www.ktla.com/content_landing_page/?Asst-Fire-Chief-Admits-Beating-Puppy-in-=1&blockID=128134&feedID=171

Asst. Fire Chief Admits Beating Puppy in Self Defense

Chris Wolfe, KTLA News

November 6, 2008

RIVERSIDE -- This is one fence between neighbors that will never be mended.

Was the beating of a puppy self-defense, or animal cruelty? Now it's up to the Riverside County Sheriff's Office to try to uncover the truth.

"I just think he's an evil person. How can any human being just murder a puppy for no reason?" dogowner Shelley Toole says fighting through tears.

Her family can't sleep.

They say Monday, their next-door neighbor, in some kind of violent rage, beat their puppy so badly the dog had to be put down.

Karley was a six-month old shepherd mix. What may surprise many people is the fact that the neighbor is Los Angeles County Assistant Fire Chief Glynn Johnson.

An online biography lists a stellar 30-year career with the department. It says he's an expert in counter-terrorism, among other areas.

But his neighbors of the last ten years have a very different picture of the man. Jeff Toole, Shelley's husband, says he believes Chief Johnson "needs a lot of help."

We tried to talk with the public safety official Wednesday night, knocking on his front door repeatedly and calling out for him. But no one answered.

He was home because we later discovered he had called police to tell them to make sure we stay off his property.

Riverside County investigators tell KTLA the fire chief admits to beating the dog -- but says it was in self-defense because Karley attacked him viciously.

The Tooles say Monday evening, Karley got out and went to neighbor Travis Staggs' home. He lives on the other side of Chief Johnson's house.

Staggs says he was walking Karley home when Johnson stepped in and said he would take the dog back home.

Staggs says he reluctantly handed over the puppy, and that's when it happened in Johnson's front yard.

Travis Staggs tells KTLA that Glynn Johnson simply started beating the dog, and that the dog had not attacked Johnson first.

According to this witness, Johnson hit the dog repeatedly with a closed fist, put his hands in the puppy's mouth and tried to break its jaws, and eventually beat the dog over the head repeatedly with a large rock from the front yard.

Staggs says he tried to stop the attack but couldn't. The Toole family later decided to have Karley put down because of the extent of her injuries.

"It scares me, knowing I live next-door to this man," says Travis Staggs.

The Tooles say they will take civil action against the assistant fire chief regardless of the outcome of the criminal investigation.

Riverside County deputies tell KTLA they are conducting more interviews with witnesses in an attempt to determine what really happened in this case. If detectives find enough evidence that the dog beating was unwarranted, they will hand the case over to the district attorney for a possible animal cruelty charge, which is a felony.

The Tooles say there is a "history of violence" with Glynn Johnson, and deputies say they are looking into these claims as well.

"This man needs to go to prison for what he did," says Shelley Toole. She adds, "Karley was my baby, and he took her away from me."

 

Sigrid aka Horselover (0)
Thursday November 6, 2008, 2:43 pm
What a evil person ....he's scarring me also

Thanks Information.
 

Past Member (0)
Thursday November 6, 2008, 6:27 pm
What a piece of trash, he belongs in jail behind bars for a while.
 

Judith Jaehn (199)
Thursday November 6, 2008, 8:51 pm
Filth! Pure filth! Somebody should take a bat to this piece of trashy crap!!! Noted!
 

Valerie H. (128)
Thursday November 6, 2008, 8:55 pm
Just a HORRIFYING story...that dear little pup...God Bless you dear *Karley"

......May the bastard rot in hell........
 

Paul M. (0)
Thursday November 6, 2008, 10:37 pm
Canadian's are in disbelief....what a horible man!
 

Marcy Greenwood (0)
Thursday November 6, 2008, 10:44 pm
Thats just horrable, That man needs to go to jail or be beat himself
 

Ginger Geronimo (386)
Friday November 7, 2008, 9:00 am
I wish someone would beat that piece of crap who did this, let him see how it feels.
 

Chelsea Tharp (0)
Friday November 7, 2008, 5:10 pm
I would just like to say the toole family were my neighbors for over 2 years, I just moved but Karley was the sweetest puppy ever. She would always great me at the fence and, my 2 year old daughter played with her multi times, never once was karley aggressive! I can't believe that he killed her.Hes insane and would always threaten me and my family with his stupid badge and gun on his hip! I hope he gets what he deserves!
 

Keith C. (1614)
Friday November 7, 2008, 10:44 pm
Chelsea, you should contact the Riverside Sheriffs Dept. (951) 776-1099, and Los Angeles County Fire Chief P. Michael Freeman (323) 881-2411 and let them know about Glynn Johnson's aggressive/threatening behavior while wearing his Badge and Gun. please follow through he doesn't belong wearing a badge, working for public agency. and should not be allowed to own a gun with his temper.

http://fire.lacounty.gov/FromChief.asp

Riverside County Sheriff's Dept - (800) 950-2444
 

Keith C. (1614)
Friday November 7, 2008, 10:58 pm
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=17260%20ARMINTROUT%20DR&sourceid=navclient-ff&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1B3GGGL_enUS277US277&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl
 

Melissa J. (0)
Saturday November 8, 2008, 7:31 am
Not only have many co-workers come forward repeatedly telling of stories of corruption, lying, cheating and pulling the racism card on everything, but other neighbors have had animal cruelty incidents with him too! He has shot and blinded one dog with a bb gun and another dog across the street had to go to the vet to have a bb gun taken out of him. Nothing happened because no one saw him pull the trigger, they just saw him with a gun and saw the poof of smoke! Also, what the news didn't report is that Glynn Johnson pushed the neighbor down on the ground and proceeded to pick up a big rock and smash it over Karleys head! There is so much more to this story and Glynns personal and professional background! He has also had the police called on him and reports were taken of him closed fisted punching his daughter in the face continuously. BUT NOTHING EVER HAPPENED! WHY IS THIS MONSTER STILL AROUND AND GETTING PAID! Why has the sherriffs dept. only taken a report and has NOT gone back to the Toole family to actually do what they are paid to do and investigate!

I SMELL CORRUPTION!

Please keep the fire under the dept.'s rear end and get this guy thrown in jail. He doesn't deserve to retire in 2009 with his tax paid job title or pension! HELP THE TOOLE FAMILY and please write and call whomever you can to help get this monster off of the streets and behind bars!
 

Deboria A. (0)
Monday November 10, 2008, 11:48 am
For all of those who dont know him let some speaks who does. First of all Mr. Jhonson has a healthy and wonderful relationships with both daughters one who will be recieving a PHD this year. The incident with his daughter has been taken out of context if you really would like to know the truth look her up she will tell you!! Second of all Mr. Jhonson has given his time, finance, and knowledge to assist in saving lives, helping individuals start and excel in their careers as well as a loving mentor. If he was so evil and have done all these things that his neighbors have said over the 20 years as a neighbor why are'nt there any compaints on record! Were they simply scared that he might go in a rage and harm them and risk his 30 year career? This family does not condon any vioence towards animals or with anyone. They are christians who inspite of prejudices towards them, have acheived what many hoped to have. Mr. Jhonson has given his life for others knowing that human life is the most precious asset to ones self and to our love ones. To think that any thing else parels has not been in a position where they have seen one taken or has risked their own to save one. I am praying for this man who has a loving and supportive wife, successful daughters and a career that is highly respected in which only some can do (risk a life).

There is always two sides of a story but ONE TRUTH!!!
 

Information M. (0)
Monday November 10, 2008, 5:44 pm

I've been bitten by dogs, to the bone! ...

However I've never:

1. tried to break the dog's jaws by prying them apart

2. then started hitting the dog in the head with a big rock

3. never crushed a skull

4. never started beating the dog

Animal Cruelty is Animal Cruelty regardless of the color of a person's skin... period.



 

Information M. (0)
Monday November 10, 2008, 6:10 pm

WOW!

Copy & Paste:

http://www.ktla.com/content_landing_page/?Asst-Fire-Chief-Admits-Beating-Puppy-in-=1&blockID=128134&feedID=171

Firefighter Probed in Puppy Killing Vanishes

KTLA News

November 10, 2008

(snippet)

RIVERSIDE -- A high-ranking Los Angeles County firefighter placed on paid leave after the alleged fatal beating of a puppy has disappeared.

Investigators trying to interview Glynn Johnson say they cannot locate him.

 

Information M. (0)
Monday November 10, 2008, 6:30 pm

Sorry wrong link:

Firefighter Probed in Puppy Killing Vanishes

http://www.ktla.com/content_landing_page/?Firefighter-Probed-in-Puppy-Killing-Vani=1&blockID=128134&feedID=171


Picture of puppy injured(now deceased) on the article & video.

 

Amber Johnson (0)
Tuesday November 11, 2008, 7:59 am
Glynn Johnson is NOT missing, he did not flee, and he is not worried about anything. His attorney told him NOT TO TALK TO ANYBODY!!!!!!!!!
 

Tom C. (0)
Tuesday November 11, 2008, 9:17 am
AMBER: Are you related to Michael Vick?
 

Marie P. (0)
Wednesday November 12, 2008, 9:17 am
Amber Johnson, If Mr Johnson is such a stellar man, why is their so many neighbors, and co-workers that have dealth with his scarey behavior. I don't care if the man is white, purple, green or blue, I do know that he had no business telling that young man he would take the dog home he should have stayed in his house his yard his bite probably from prying the dogs jaws apart, or when he was beating the dog with his fists his poor little hand got cut on the puppys teeth, dogs love unconditionly unlike children the truth will come out no racists here dogs are not replaced like shoes. grow up little girl
 

Aileen A. (0)
Friday November 14, 2008, 8:18 am
Sign the on-line petition to encourage the DA to press charges against this monster!

http://justice4karley.com
 

Sandi Westenbrook (0)
Friday November 14, 2008, 4:53 pm
I beleive if the man has cuts on his hands it's from hitting the dog. Teeth will cut you if you hit a dog hard enough. I've seen it with an old boyfriend. Notice I said OLD boyfriend.

Six month old dogs do NOT attack. Their main concern is when the next game is and where the next treat or meal is coming from. I will not believe this BABY attacked without provocation.

If the man was attacked, he should have tied the animal up and contacted animal control and let them handle this matter. By the looks of it, he made himself judge, jury and executioner that day and he deserves to lose everything for that.

I feel sorry ofr his family. I'm sure they love him regardless of his faults.
 

JO J. (0)
Friday November 21, 2008, 2:37 am
I hope this story continues to circulate around the internet so many people are aware of the incident. When a marine threw a puppy off a cliff in Iraq people contacted the military and made sure the investigation moved forward and the man was properly punished for the crime.

I wish there was a way to get this story up on youtube (like the marine story), so hundreds of thousands of people would know what this man did and ensure the cruelty investagation moved forward! Once the Riverside DA has received enough letters and emails they won't be able to ignore this case.
 

Bob P. (0)
Friday November 21, 2008, 8:24 pm
I heard the story today on radio
Sheriff detective believe that assistant fire chief committed animal cruelty and submitted the case to district attorney office and recommending that Glynn Johnson face charges in the puppy's death.
But DA office refuses to charge him!!!
They are encouraging people to call the district attorney office and ask them why they are not filing charges.
I am not saying anybody is guilty but if something like this happens and there is enough evidence and eye witness the case has to go to court!
Below is info if any want to call:
Riverside County District Attorney's Office
4075 Main Street
Riverside, CA 92501
(951) 955-5400

 

Ken C. (0)
Saturday November 22, 2008, 4:12 pm
I am shocked but not surprised at what this Los Angeles County firefighter has done, nor am I surprised that his family and friends would chime in and call him a Christian. The Los Angeles County Fire Department is corrupt and full of criminal behavior. These slimeballs get away with it because of reputation of saving little kittens from trees, but I worked there firsthand and know better. I worked in the Los Angeles County Fire Dept Materials Management Division (Procurement) and witnessed first hand the ugliest sexual harassment I had ever witnessed -- committed by the department head. When I agreed to testify against him he hired a thug (wearing a ski mask) to assault me in a parking lot. Sheriff's Department was notified, failed to follow up due to suspect's status as a Christian and administrative head, although this was his third strike as a sexual harasser. It has gotten so bad with him that no one is allowed to be alone with him in his office, yet he is allowed to keep his job. What the hell is wrong with Michael Freeman that he allows such monsters to work in this County department? When the victim of his sexual harassment left the department and they threw a farewell party for her, they pinned a large poster of a naked woman with the inscription, "Linda, we will miss your big ass" attached to it. This is how classy they are at the Los Angeles County Fire Department. ALSO, my elderly mother and her husband were the victims of a home invasion robbery at their home in Escondido -- committed by a Los Angeles County firefighter, his wife and his mother-in-law. They stole artwork and china and I contacted the Escondido Police Department three times about this and they did nothing. I believe they ignored this crime due to the assailant's status as a firefighter. I don't think these criminals are the exception to the rule at the Los Angeles County Fire Department; I think they are the tip of the iceberg.
-- Ken Camp, Los Angeles
 

Mark W. (0)
Wednesday November 26, 2008, 2:32 pm
I AM PROUD TO SAY. it, glynn johnson now refered to as IT, IS NOW ON THE NATIONS LARGEST DATABASE FOR ANIMAL ABUSERS. This will go to every animal agency in the country. With pics and all kinds of neat info...I will be updating them periodically with more personal info about IT. We will also be watching IT for a while to find out more of IT's violent ways. Like Bob P said call the DA and ask them why they are not prosecuting...I did it. They seem to get real nervous when you tell them you work for a news paper. The more you call the more overwhelmed they get. 951-955-5400
 

Mark W. (0)
Wednesday November 26, 2008, 3:33 pm
Deboria A writes
For all of those who dont know him let some (one)speaks who does. First of all Mr. Jhonson (can you spell his name right?)has a healthy and wonderful relationships with both daughters (ya he beat it into them)one who will be recieving(spelling) a PHD this year.(wonder if its for DVM?) The incident(repeated blows to the head) with his daughter has been taken out of context (if you kill, the context no longer matters) if you really would like to know the truth look her up she will tell you!!(out of fear) Second of all Mr. Jhonson has given his time, (brutality)finance, and knowledge to assist in saving lives, helping individuals start and excel in their careers as well as a loving mentor. (does he mentor how to smash a dogs head?)If he was so evil and have done all these things that his neighbors have said over the 20 years as a neighbor why are'nt (spelling) there any compaints (spelling) on record! Were they simply scared that he might go in a rage and harm them (YES!)and risk his 30 year career? This family does not condon(spelling) any vioence (spelling) towards animals or with anyone. They are christians(spelling) who inspite(spelling) of prejudices towards them, have acheived(spelling) what many hoped to have. Mr. Jhonson has given his life for others knowing that human life is the most precious asset to ones self and to our love(grammar) ones. (but dogs should die huh) To think that any thing else parels(spelling) has not been in a position where they have seen one taken or has risked their own to save one.(or take one) I am praying for this man (to be sent straight to hell) who has a loving and supportive wife,(who collaborates in animal abuse) successful daughters (who were beat out of anger) and a career (ahh not much longer)that is highly respected (not really) in which only some can do (risk a life). (or to kill the innocent lives he had sworn to protect)

There is always two sides of a story but ONE TRUTH!!! (YA HE KILLED, A PUPPY!!!)
I WOULD LIKE TO LET YOU KNOW glynn. With morons like this for friends and family. It's no wonder you couldn't get away from your life of violence.
 

Past Member (0)
Thursday December 4, 2008, 5:55 pm
Back in my hometown, there was a very mean dalmation. This dog attacked my youger brother on two occasions, and attaced me on one. The last person it attacked was a Track & Feild runner for the local college (SUU). I happened to witness it, and put a stop to it. I still, after twenty years, have the scasrs on my legs and arms from this dog. That day it attacked the woman running was its last. I began carrying a sheath knife after my attack. I killed the dog. I would do it again. Anyone who critisizes some one for killing a vicious ANIMAl is very misguided.
 

Jim I. (0)
Thursday December 18, 2008, 9:46 am

Would someone please post Johnsons address and phone number as he should be told how people feel about the murder of this pup.
 

Antonia Moreno (0)
Thursday December 18, 2008, 6:30 pm
Someone should of so kicked this guys ass and I hope someone does... If this was a regular citizen they would be sitting in jail... CORRUPTION... for the people who think what he did was ok... well I feel sorry for u.... a 6 moth old pupppy.. come on.. and he is a firefight he didn have doggie mase and well he the one who took the puppy so he obviously went out his way to be close to the puppy in the first place so it sounds premeditated.... and if the puppy was supposedly visiously attacking hime why was he able to get his hands inside his mouth to try to brak its jaw... look its obvious this guy has issues... beating a puppy is like beating a child they are defenseless I mean they still have their puppy teeth at that age.. So for all his wonderful friends look the guy is wrong there is nothing that can make me believe that he is right.. why did he offer to walk the puppy and why would he have to beat it so badly he is a firefighter he is trained to stop a dog in other ways... so like I said a regular citizen would get in so much toruble but b/c he is a firefighter he getting away with it.. he should be setting a example so really he should get in more trouble.. this story is sick.. and I hope someone takes care of his dumb ass he better sit in jail!!!!!
 

Antonia Moreno (0)
Thursday December 18, 2008, 6:50 pm
I also wantyed to point something else out... know this guy is a firefighter people who take jobs as firefighters, police officers, Soldiers(which I am) etc are supposed to take these jobs because they want to help people.. but this asshole is the type of person who takes the job because they want to abuse their position.. he was obviously made fun of as a child or something... what a jerk... very inhumane should not even be in this line of work at all... firefighters are supposed to help not kill.. and agian I stated in last comment he has been a firefighter for 30 yrs so he is trained to stop a animal from attacking with out abusing it BUT I KNOW THIS PUPPY DID NOT ATTACK THIS WAS PREMEDITATED.. and his friends well u need new frie3nds because u are sticking up for a murderer!!!
 

Beth P. (0)
Tuesday January 13, 2009, 11:52 pm
It sounds like he's abused his position and the Department has let him get away with it. What a shame. How can somebody kill a puppy? To the guy who says anyone who criticizes a person for killing a vicious animal is very misguided: Karley was a puppy. Think before writing something so stupid. You sounded proud about killing a dog with your sheath knife. You sound like a coward who wants to be a big shot. A little insecure??
 

Susan T. (0)
Thursday March 12, 2009, 3:25 pm
bravo mark w. -- your astute characterization of the disgraced individual who murdered this dear family pet handles all that needs to be said. it is impressive that you have transmitted his name and image to the agencies that will certainly broadcast his crime(s). he probably figured no one would take him on being that he enjoys the comfort of a position that many in our society respect and revere. too bad that cruelty and wanton violence were his activities of choice. i hope he is charged with murder; i hope that he receives the maximum sentence one can for a crime such as this. deliberate-intentional-premeditated-laying in wait-murderous beast who cannot be entrusted to walk among other living creatures. human and otherwise. and his minions who are defending him/his actions....how do you sleep at night knowing you're defending indefensible behavior? oh yeah--even murderers have families that love them. what a colossal stain on humanity people like glynn johnson turn out to be.
 

Ken C. (0)
Sunday March 15, 2009, 10:47 am
This evil scumbag retired from the Los Angeles County Fire Department with Chief Scumbag P. Michael Freeman giving him his blessings. Then this evil scumbag filed a counter lawsuit against the poor family who owned the dog he murdered. This a-hole has the nerve to state that the "dog attack" left him handicapped. EVERYONE SHOULD LOOK THIS SCUMBAG UP ON USSEARCH.COM, PAY YOUR TWENTY BUCKS, AND GET HIS HOME ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER. THEN SEND THAT INFORMATION OUT ALL OVER THE INTERNET. HOPEFULLY SOMEONE WITH AN OUNCE OF FURY WILL TAKE CARE OF THIS BASTARD.

-- Ken Camp, Los Angeles
 

Information M. (0)
Tuesday March 17, 2009, 5:01 pm
.
http://www.pe.com/localnews/publicsafety/stories/PE_News_Local_S_puppy13.32c0f0a.html

Riverside man accused of animal cruelty countersues dog's owners

Download story podcast

10:00 PM PST on Thursday, February 12, 2009
By JOHN ASBURY
The Press-Enterprise

A now-retired Los Angeles County assistant fire chief has filed a countersuit against his Riverside-area neighbor, claiming permanent disability after the neighbor's puppy bit his hand.

Glynn Johnson, 54, of the Woodcrest area southeast of Riverside, is facing animal cruelty charges for beating the dog with a rock. The 6-month-old German shepherd mix, Karley, suffered skull fractures and had to be put to sleep.

Her owners, the Toole family, sued Johnson last month seeking an unspecified amount for the loss of Karley, emotional distress and lost wages as a result of that distress.

The Tooles have accused Johnson of letting Karley out of a secured fence with the intent of hurting her, according to their lawsuit.

In a counter-lawsuit Johnson's attorneys filed Wednesday, Johnson seeks reimbursement for legal fees and damages for physical and mental pain, and alleges that the Tooles let Karley loose in his yard.

On Nov. 3, Johnson has said, he saw the dog running loose, took her from the neighbor who caught her, and tried to bring her back to the Tooles' house.

Johnson has said Karley latched onto his thumb, and he had to beat her into submission with a 12-pound rock until she let go and ran off.

Following a six-week investigation into whether he was acting maliciously or in self-defense, as he claims, Johnson was charged by Riverside County prosecutors with one count of felony animal cruelty. He has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for a pretrial hearing Feb. 20.

In the cross-complaint, Johnson said the dog bit his leg and through the tip of his thumb, breaking a bone in his hand that caused permanent nerve damage.

"Mr. Johnson wants to be made whole," said his attorney, John Sweeney. "For all the pain the Toole family caused him visited back upon them. Everything they're trying to get from Glynn will not prevail."

Johnson retired early last month because his injuries may prevent him from fighting fires, Sweeney said.

After the attack, Johnson was placed on paid administrative leave, and Sweeney said the worldwide attention from activists and the media have damaged his character as a public official.

The Tooles' attorney, Steve Haney, called the countersuit "frivolous" and untrue. He said Johnson's claim would not stand up to two witnesses who say they saw the attack, and that medical evidence would show he is not permanently injured.

"In this case their best defense is a good offense," Haney said. "He repeatedly attacked and tried to kill the dog. For him to come back now and say he suffered permanent injuries -- if he has any injuries at all he brought it on himself."

Reach John Asbury at 951-763-3451 or jasbury@PE.com

 

Katz R. (54)
Friday January 1, 2010, 12:04 pm
everyone needs to watch how the DAs office is handling this case and ones like it
 
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