Last night, the Wise County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) received calls from concerned motorists on Highway 81/287 and Northstar Parkway between the city Avondale and Rhome. One of the callers said a man, standing near a “jack-knifed” truck and trailer, was shouting, holding a knife to his neck as he removed his clothing.
Upon arrival, deputies observed the knife-wielder stab his dog and slammed it's head against the pavement. The man jumped back into his truck and locked the doors. He kept the knife against his neck.
The WCSO tactical team came on-scene. After some negotiation, the team was able to convince the troubled man out of the truck. He was taken into custody, transported to Medical City-Decatur and then to the Wise County Detention Center.
The man was identified as 27-year-old Joseph Beverly of Dallas. He was charged with Cruelty to Animals and Resisting Arrest. His bond was set at $17,500.
An off-duty Bedford Police Officer was a passer-by. He stopped and kindly offered to rush the stabbed dog to the local veterinarian for emergency care. The dog is expected to make a full recovery.
