ROCKLAND, Maine — A 39-year-old Tenants Harbor man who was convicted less than two years ago of shooting a dog that had messed on his floor is back behind bars after police said he violated probation by drinking.
Eric Lugar was arrested shortly after 11:30 p.m. Tuesday at his residence by members of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office. Lugar is charged with violating a condition of release.
Lugar was put on probation following his conviction in May 2013 for cruelty to animals, possession of a firearm by a felon, and theft. The animal cruelty charges resulted from an incident a month earlier when he shot a mixed-breed dog named Scooter above its left eye after the dog defecated on a floor in his residence. The bullet penetrated through the dog’s mouth and jaw. The dog was taken to a veterinarian and has since recovered.
Lugar was sentenced to 364 days in jail with all but 60 days suspended. He also was placed on probation following his release, with one of the conditions being that he not possess or consume alcohol.
Deputy Paul Pinkham came to Lugar’s residence Tuesday night after receiving a report that two men and a woman were fighting outside the home. When he arrived, the officer found no disturbance. He knocked on the door and was allowed in, where he found Lugar intoxicated, according to the affidavit filed in Knox County Unified Court. The officer reported that Lugar was swaying and slurring his words and there were beer cans both outside and inside the home.
Lugar asked if he could be given an opportunity to run, according to the report. He did not resist the arrest, however.