DES MOINES, Iowa — A Des Moines metro man police say broke into an animal shelter to steal back his surrendered dog also shot at police in Cedar Rapids when they tried to take him into custody this week.

The origination of the case stretches back to January 31st when officers with the Des Moines Police Department responded to the Watrous South neighborhood on a report of gunfire. During the investigation, police discovered a dog that had been shot. The dog was taken to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa for care.

While the dog, who the staff named Dionysus, was being treated ownership was surrendered to the ARL. On February 18th, when staff arrived at the shelter they found someone had broken in and stolen the dog.

The investigation into the break-in and theft indicated Dionysus was stolen by his former owner, 49-year-old Christopher Kern. Police were not able to locate him and warrants for his arrest were requested.

Detectives learned on February 19th that Kern was traveling to Cedar Rapids and they notified the law enforcement agencies in the area. Officers with the Cedar Rapids Police Department located Kern and tried to take him into custody but Kern opened fire on them and the officers fired back.

After a lengthy negotiation, police took Kern into custody. He is being held in the Linn County Jail on multiple charges including attempted murder of a police officer, intimidation with a dangerous weapon, dominion of a firearm by a felon, assault-going armed with intent, and assault on persons in certain occupations.

Dionysus was rescued in Cedar Rapids and returned to the care of the ARL on Thursday.