Police Seek Answers In Hayward Dog Shooting
HAYWARD (CBS 5/BCN) - Two suspects who were seen running away after a small dog was shot and killed near the South Hayward BART station Thursday may not have anything to do with the shooting, according to investigators.
A truck driver heard gunshots near Dixon Street and Tennyson Road at about 4:15 p.m. Thursday, and he saw a dog stumble out from nearby bushes and into the street shortly afterward, Hayward police Lt. David Lundgren said.
The Shih Tzu, named Max, was clearly bleeding from gunshot wounds and died on the street, Lundgren said.
Max's owner, Maria Bernal, didn't know her dog had gotten out of her home. It's unlikely Max was a threat to anyone, police said.
"This appears to be nothing more than a cowardly act against a defenseless animal," police Lt. Roger Keener said.
The shooting is considered an animal cruelty case, which is a felony with possible jail time.
"Ms. Bernal was terribly shaken by the act and loss," Keener said.
Responding officers saw two men run from a vehicle toward the station. Police have since captured one of the two suspects and found a concealed gun under a vehicle in the BART parking lot, Keener said.
Investigators don't think the two suspects were involved in the shooting, but they will face charges of firearm possession.
Anyone with information on the case is encouraged to call Hayward police at (510) 293-7034.
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