A Twentynine Palms Marine was arrested, and deputies are searching for a second suspect, after a burglary at the Twentynine Palms animal shelter. About midnight on Sunday, July 22, investigators say Lance Corporal Levi Irwin, 20, a Marine stationed with 1st Battalion, 7th Marines at the Twentynine Palms Marine Base, and another unidentified man, forced open a door to the Palms-n-Paws Animal Shelter with a crowbar and stole two pitbull dogs. While in the animal shelter, Irwin unlocked the doors to the other kennels, allowing all the dogs to run free. Two dogs ran from the building and still have not been located. Two other dogs were seriously injured from a fight after they were let loose. Security cameras captured Irwin and the other suspect at the shelter the day before. Deputies served a search warrant on Irwin’s home and recovered evidence related to the burglary. Levi Irwin was arrested for investigation of burglary and cruelty to animals, booked into the Morongo Basin Jail, with his bail set at $50,000. Deputies are continuing to search for the second suspect, who is described as a white man with long brown hair. Anyone with information should call the Sheriff’s Department at 760-366-4175.
