A SWAT team arrested a 43-year-old Jefferson man on aggravated animal abuse and gun charges after he was accused of shooting and killing his neighbor’s dog last summer.

While arresting Jeremy Cornwell, investigators say they searched the shed where he lives and found more than 20 weapons.

The incident started back in July when Marion County sheriff’s deputies learned that Cornwell had allegedly shot and killed a neighbor’s dog.

Since then, family members say they’ve become more concerned for their safety because of his “escalating behavior and access to numerous firearms.”

Just after 7 a.m. Thursday, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team served a search warrant at the property on South 7th Street near Greenwood Drive.

Negotiators worked with Cornwell, and he safely surrendered about an hour and a half later.

Cornwell was booked into the Marion County Jail on aggravated animal abuse and unlawful use of a weapon. He will be arraigned on the charges Friday.

“This investigation was coordinated by deputies assigned to the City of Jefferson. Marion County Sheriff’s Office is contracted to provide enhanced law enforcement services to the City of Jefferson. The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Woodburn Police Department for their assistance during this morning’s operation,” MCSO officials said.