LOS ANGELES—Police sought the public’s help Jan. 3 in locating a 32-year-old homeless man suspected of killing a pet dog during a domestic dispute.
Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) detectives identified David Sumlin as the suspect, who following the argument, allegedly held a pillow over the victim’s dog and pointed a firearm into the pillow on Monday at around 11:50 a.m., police said.
Mr. Sumlin then said, “It’s either you or the dog,” police said.
Mr. Sumlin proceeded to fire two rounds into the pillow striking the 4-month-old puppy. Police said LAPD Central Area officers took the puppy to an animal shelter, where it later died.
Mr. Sumlin was described as a 6-foot-7-inch tall black man weighing 200 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. Police said he’s known to frequent the area near Seventh Street and Stanford Avenue in downtown Los Angeles.
The firearm has not been recovered. Police advise the public not to approach Mr. Sumlin if located but to call 911.
Anyone with any information regarding domestic violence was urged to call Officer J. Roman at LAPD Operations-Central Bureau Family Justice Center at 213-709-9017. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
