Man wanted for throwing lit firework at dog in Orange County

Police are searching for a suspect who threw a lit firework at a dog in Orange County.

The incident, which happened over the July 4 holiday weekend, was captured on home surveillance video provided by the Santa Ana Police Department.

A male suspect is seen pulling up to a home near 1800 West Pine Street in Santa Ana. A black dog named Romeo is walking around in the front yard when he spots the suspect vehicle through a locked gate.

The suspect is then seen lighting the firework inside his car before tossing it over the gate. The firework lands in front of Romeo who quickly goes over to check it out.

Within seconds, the firework explodes in the dog’s face, sending a large plume of smoke into the air. The dog jumps back and is visibly startled.

The explosion left him with significant burns and bleeding, police said. His injuries were non-life-threatening and his owners said the dog is recovering at home.

The suspect, who sped away from the scene, was driving a gold/beige-colored four-door sedan. It appears to have black aftermarket wheels, aftermarket taillights, a black rear trunk spoiler, a black gas cap and rear tinted windows.

Anyone who recognizes the suspect or has information on the incident is urged to contact Investigator R. Perez at 714-245-8383 or RPerez@santa-ana.org.

Footage of the incident can be seen in the video player above.

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