Gresham Man Arrested After Kicking Dog While Delivering Meals on Wheels

Thursday, August 18, 2016
GoLocalPDX News Team

Meals on Wheels volunteer Donald Nicoli, 68, of Gresham was arrested for aggravated animal abuse surrounding the death of a 6-year-old Chihuahua, which he admitted to kicking. 

He was booked into Multnomah County Detention Center

 The Incident 

On August 8, police were sent to the home of June Rigsby 70, of Gresham after she found her 6 year old Chihuahua named "Baby" deceased inside her home. June, who is disabled and was in bed at the time, heard a knock at the door and a man call out her name. That man was Nicoli. June told investigators that she had made arrangements with Nicoli, who has been delivering Meals on Wheels food to her every Monday for several months, that she would leave the door unlocked for him enter her home. 

June said when Nicoli came in and called out her name, her three dogs including Baby jumped from her bed to greet him. A few moments later, June heard a thud and only two dogs returned. After Nicoli left the house, June got out of bed to check on Baby, and that's when she found her deceased on the kitchen floor. 

The Investigation 

Detective Sergeant Jerry Harris, with the assistance of Multnomah County Animal Control, began investigating the circumstances surrounding Baby's death. Baby was sent to Oregon State University (OSU) where they assisted with determining how she died. Sergeant Harris said, "We received word from Oregon State University, that the cause of death was blunt force trauma and multiple skull fractures." 

Investigators spoke with Nicoli who admitted to kicking the dog but could not remember specific details leading up to that day's events.