Man in Van Kills Small Dog NR16179rh

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department and Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACTF) detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect responsible for the killing of a small dog.

On May 14, 2016, around 1:30 p.m., a witness reported that he observed a small dog jump out of a Dodge Caravan in the 1600 block of East First Street, in the City of Los Angeles.

The driver of the vehicle exited and chased the dog. When the driver caught the dog, he punched it then threw it onto the sidewalk several times, until it died. He then returned to his vehicle and fled the location leaving the dog behind. A witness was able to take a photograph of the vehicle involved in this crime.

The suspect is described as a male White, with balding gray hair, between the age of 50 to 60 years of age, weighs around 280 pounds and stands between 6 feet and 6 feet 2 inches tall.

The vehicle appears to be a 1996 to 2000, Dodge Caravan. It is silver/gray in color and appears to have an off color rear bumper.

The ACTF was established in 2005 and consists of personnel from the Los Angeles Police Department and the Department of Animal Services. This partnership facilitates a comprehensive approach to the prevention, intervention, detection, and prosecution of acts of animal cruelty. The success of ACTF is achieved through the investigative expertise of the task force members, the use of veterinary forensics, and the prosecution efforts of the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

The City of Los Angeles aggressively investigates and prosecutes acts of animal cruelty. There is a strong correlation between those who commit acts of animal cruelty and those who commit acts of violence against humans, and the goal of the ACTF is to break the cycle of violence through aggressive prevention, intervention, detection, and prosecution of acts of animal cruelty.

If anyone should see the above vehicle, do not confront the occupants, please notify the Los Angeles Police Department, Animal Cruelty Task Force Detective Alfredo Reyes at 213-486-0450. During non-business hours, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7(877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.