Dog Set On Fire, Investigators Look For Suspect

FORESTVILLE, MD — A man was seen setting a dog on fire that eventually was found burned to death in a brushy area.

The incident happened Monday night around 6:30 p.m. Numerous witnesses called 911 to report a man dousing a dog in gasoline and setting it on fire in the area of Pomfrey Drive at Cross Street in Forestville. The dog ran into nearby brush, setting the brush on fire, Prince George's County Fire and EMS Department spokesperson Mike Yourishin told WUSA.

Firefighters arrived at the scene, found the dog deceased and put out the brush fire. The dog will undergo a necropsy, which should take approximately a week, Yourishin said.

Officials believe the dog was a pit bull, NBC Washington reported. It weighed around 50 pounds, WJLA stated.

“It’s disturbing; it's alarming that people would do that, especially around the holiday season, you know, dogs are precious just as well as humans. It’s unfortunate," a woman who lives just feet from where the dog ran and collapsed told WJLA.

Investigators are looking for the man they believe is responsible for the dog's death. They returned to the scene Tuesday to search for clues and uncover any video or photos others might have captured of the suspect.

At this time, officials do not have a suspect description available, according to FOX 5 DC.