DAVID JOSEPH LIGUORI arrested after he was witnessed hitting a dog inside a parked pickup truck

- Virginia, USA -

The Harrisonburg Police Department (HPD) arrested 35-year-old DAVID JOSEPH LIGUORI (pictured), in connection with an animal cruelty case and a hit-and-run.

The police and Animal Control were investigating an animal abuse incident that took place on the evening of Friday, April 18, 2025, in the Lowe’s parking lot on Linda Lane off of East Market Street.

LIGUORI was witnessed hitting a dog inside a parked pickup truck. As witnesses tried to intervene, LIGUORI drove off hitting another vehicle as he left.

Officers responded to the scene in reference to a hit-and-run incident and the following day they learned from a social media post that the animal abuse incident and the hit-and-run were connected.

According to the press release by the Harrisonburg Police Department, officers “made contact with the author of the social media post who observed a male striking a dog inside a parked pick-up truck. Witnesses then attempted to intervene, and the driver fled the parking lot, striking another vehicle as he left.”

Police said that thanks to tips from the public as well as investigatory work from HPD Animal Control, LIGUORI was identified as the suspect and was taken into custody on the morning of May 7, 2025.

The furvictim, Ralphie, was first removed by Harrisonburg’s Animal Care and Control and then taken to the Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA to be examined by a veterinarian.

LIGUORI is charged with one count of cruelty to animals, hit and run, and confinement of animals in vehicle prohibited.

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For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Harrisonburg Police Department. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.

LIGUORI's mugshot shared from the Harrisonburg Police Department

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