Editor’s Note: This article includes details of alleged animal cruelty.
DENVER (KDVR) — Arvada police arrested a man in the investigation into several pet injuries and deaths over recent years.
The Arvada Police Department announced that Tyler Willbanks, 29, was arrested Thursday following a tip in August reporting that he was repeatedly buying puppies, and many of them were severely injured or died in his care.
Several dogs and cats have died and suffered multiple serious injuries like broken legs, police said.
Police say the tipster also alleged that Willbanks told people that he got away with running over and killing a pedestrian in a hit-and-run that occurred last September.
Investigators contacted several veterinary offices around the metro area and collected veterinary records involving Willbanks from 2019 to 2025, including over two dozen appointments for several cats and dogs at more than 10 different veterinary offices and hospitals.
In several instances, Willbanks allegedly brought kittens and puppies to veterinarians with serious injuries like burns, abrasions, head trauma, broken bones, collapsed lungs, contusions, hemorrhaging, infections and other injuries. He reportedly claimed that the animals had fallen down the stairs or off of balconies, cat trees and furniture.
In many cases, according to police, Willbanks declined the treatment recommended by vets. Some animals reportedly endured several injuries and had several vet visits, sometimes ending in euthanasia.
Police said that while treating the animals, some vets discovered apparent historic injuries like broken bones.
Detectives conducted several interviews and collected enough evidence to arrest Willbanks on charges of:
- Cruelty to animals 18-9-202(1)(a) M1
- 2 counts of aggravated cruelty to animals 18-9-202(1.5)(b) F4
Willbanks was booked into the Jefferson County Jail and remains in custody on a $10,000 cash only bond as of Friday morning.
Three cats and a two-month-old puppy were seized from his residence. The cats were taken to a shelter and the puppy was taken to a pet hospital for observation, police said
Police said that in September 2024, Willbanks left the scene of a deadly hit-and-run and later came forward as the responsible driver. The collision reportedly happened after a road rage incident. The First Judicial District Attorney’s Office did not have enough evidence at the time to file charges, however police said detectives have new evidence related to the case, and the investigation is ongoing.
Police are asking anyone with information or evidence related to the cases to contact the Arvada Police Department at 303-980-7171.
Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
