Santa Ana, California — Police are searching for a woman and an older Honda Odyssey after a puppy was allegedly lured into the path of the minivan and run over in a disturbing incident caught on surveillance video.
The incident happened Sept. 8 at about 9 a.m. near 926 W. Park Ln. in Santa Ana, where the pitbull mix was later found dead in the street.
Santa Ana police released graphic surveillance footage Wednesday as investigators appealed to the public for help identifying the woman seen in the video and locating the vehicle involved.
Surveillance Video Captures Disturbing Sequence
According to investigators, the footage shows a woman arriving in an older Honda Odyssey before removing the dog from the vehicle and leaving it in the roadway.
The woman then appears to place food beneath the driver’s side area of the minivan. When the puppy moves toward the food, the vehicle begins moving forward, police said. The surveillance footage shows the driver-side rear tire rolling onto the animal, according to investigators.
Police said the driver then left the minivan sitting in the area for approximately 15 seconds before pulling away. The Odyssey subsequently traveled north on Lowell Street, authorities said. Investigators are now using the footage to piece together what happened and identify the person behind the wheel.
Resident’s Report Helped Launch Investigation
A local resident was among the first people to alert authorities after noticing a minivan parked in the area. The resident also told officers that they believed the puppy had been deliberately run over.
That report prompted police and animal-services officials to begin searching for surveillance footage that could clarify what had happened before the animal was found.
Investigators spent weeks canvassing the surrounding area before locating video from a residence across the street from the incident.
Police said the recording ultimately corroborated the resident’s account and provided investigators with a much clearer view of the events. The footage has now become a central part of the public appeal as authorities work to identify the woman and locate the vehicle.
Police Describe the Suspect Vehicle
Authorities described the vehicle as an older-model Honda Odyssey that appeared to be either green or blue. Investigators are asking anyone who may have seen the minivan in the area around the time of the incident to come forward.
The surveillance footage could potentially help someone recognize either the vehicle or the woman captured in the recording. Police released the graphic video Wednesday while continuing their investigation into the puppy’s death.
Community Reacts to Graphic Footage
The release of the surveillance video has generated strong reactions from people in the Santa Ana community. One resident expressed outrage over what the footage appeared to show, saying:
“This is beyond evil and disgusting, we need to find her and come together as a community to attend all the court hearings and everything to enforce strict or punishment for animal abuse.”
Others questioned what type of criminal consequences the woman could face if investigators identify her and charges are eventually filed.
Another person commented:
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“And if she’s charged at all it will be a misdemeanor and she will probably get probation if anything.”
Those comments reflect community reactions to the disturbing footage, but the woman shown in the surveillance video has not been publicly identified, and authorities have not announced any arrest.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
Santa Ana police continue to investigate the puppy’s death and are working to identify the woman believed to be involved. At this stage, no arrest has been made, and investigators have not publicly identified a suspect.
The older Honda Odyssey remains a key piece of evidence, while the surveillance recording could provide additional clues about the vehicle and the woman behind the wheel.
Anyone with information that could help investigators identify the woman or locate the minivan is being asked to contact Santa Ana police.
What do you think after seeing the details of this case? Do you believe someone in the community may recognize the vehicle or the woman in the surveillance footage? Share your thoughts in the comments.
