Los Angeles detectives are on the hunt for 32-year-old David Sumlin, the suspect in a harrowing case of domestic violence that concluded in the death of a puppy. The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public's help to locate Sumlin, who, after a dispute on January 2nd, smothered the victim's 4-month-old pet dog with a pillow before threatening the owner and shooting the animal, as per their official news release.
According to the LAPD newsroom, the incident unfolded at around 11:50 a.m. Sumlin allegedly held a pillow over the victim’s dog and, with a firearm pointed into the pillow, chillingly declared, “it’s either you or the dog.” He then discharged two rounds into the pillow, inflicting fatal injuries on the puppy, which later succumbed after being transported to a local animal shelter by Central Area officers.
The suspect, David Sumlin, has been described as having black hair and brown eyes, standing six feet seven inches tall and weighing 200 pounds. As a transient, Sumlin is often spotted in the area of 7th Street and Stanford Avenue in Downtown Los Angeles. The authorities have warned that the firearm used in the crime remains outstanding and have advised the public to avoid approaching Sumlin, but rather to contact 911 if he is seen.
Residents with any knowledge regarding Sumlin's whereabouts or the case are being urged by the LAPD to get in touch with Officer J. Roman at the Operations-Central Bureau Family Justice Center or report anonymously using the LA Regional Crime Stoppers hotline and other given channels.
