Suspects killed family dog while trying to barge into North Bellport home, say cops

Suffolk police are searching for four or five suspects who authorities said shot and killed a dog while trying to barge into a North Bellport home Thursday.

The 3:10 p.m. incident occurred at a house on Montauk Highway in the vicinity of Doane Avenue, when the suspects tried to enter the home through the front door while four other adults inside tried to block their entry, said Det. Sgt. Alan Feinstein of the Fifth Squad.

The occupants of the home were sprayed with an unknown chemical. While they were trying to keep the door from opening, the family dog ran outside, at which point the suspects shot the dog with a small-caliber handgun and ran, Feinstein said. He added that the dog, Sarah, an 11-year-old three-legged female pit bull, died from the gunshot wound.

None of the people in the home were hurt and the suspects did not take any money or property.

Feinstein urged anyone with information about the case to call Crime Stoppers at 800-220-TIPS.