Pet Dog Shot Dead In Front Of Owners During Home Invasion

A pet dog was fatally shot in front of its owners during a home invasion in Virginia Beach on Monday morning.

Speaking to ABC-affiliated television station WVEC on Wednesday, Herbert Culbertson said he was in his room when he heard someone kick in the front door around four Monday morning. He came out and saw robbers having “a gun to my brother on the couch.”

Suddenly, one of the suspects entered his room and that was when the pet dog, an 11-year-old pit bull named Deuce, started barking.

"He got up and chased the guy down the hallway. At the same time, roughly behind him, and I heard a pop,” he said.

The brothers soon realized that the men had shot their dog. The suspects fled the scene on foot following which Culbertson called 911. “I was shaking so much, I could hardly call 911,” he said.

While the brothers were unharmed, the dog succumbed to injuries.

Thanking the canine for saving his life, Culbertson said, “Yeah, he saved my life. It’s just a bad way for my dog to go. Like a bullet in his head, but it could’ve been all three of us.”

“He was with me 24/7 and he was always my shadow following me everywhere. The detectives said they might have hit the wrong house and now they shot my dog. That’s my best friend, and now I’m devastated," he added.

Police were investigating the incident and were yet to trace the suspects.

Seeking the help from the public, Culbertson said, “Just help find the guys who did it. My dog doesn’t deserve that. Nobody does."

Anyone with information was requested to call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP. A cash reward of $1,000 was announced for anyone whose information leads to an arrest.