Police in Fairfield, California, are searching for a woman who is accused of throwing a dog during a fight. The incident was recorded on a surveillance video, which went viral.
The woman has been identified as 31-year-old Brandi Chin.
The video, which can be seen above, was originally posted to Facebook on December 19 by David Shields. It has been viewed more than 44,000 times.
The dog, a pug named Ben, is owned by Chin and her boyfriend, the boyfriend’s roommate told KTVU-TV.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. The Dog Was Thrown While Chin Was Fighting With Her Boyfriend, a Friend Says
(Facebook)
The video shows a woman, identified as Chin, carrying the dog, a pug named Ben, by the leg. She then throws the dog toward a man, who is believed to be her boyfriend. Friends and witnesses say she was arguing with her boyfriend before flinging the dog at him, KTVU-TV reports.
Candy Seward, whose roommate is Chin’s boyfriend, told the news station she and others wanted to take the dog from Chin, but she stormed off before they could.
The dog can be seen rolling several times after he hits the ground, but it is not known if he was injured. Chin’s boyfriend then picks up the dog, and yells at her, before bystanders intervene.
2. Police Say They Believe Chin Has Abused the Dog Before
Brandi Chin’s profile picture. (Facebook)
Police told KTXL that Chin was recently seen “walking down a business district in Fairfield, and she apparently had the dog by the tail and she was swinging it around.”
Ben is believed to still be with Chin, who has not yet spoken to police.
3. Chin Is Allegedly ‘Hiding’ From the Police
(Facebook)
Police said they have not been able to find Chin.
“We are currently looking for her at this time. She is, from what I understand, hiding from us,” Sergeant Michael Ramirez told KTXL-TV.
Ramirez said they believe Chin is hiding in the Vallejo, California, area, and hope that someone who knows her will contact them.
4. Chin Is Expected to Face Animal Cruelty Charges
(Facebook)
Ramirez said they want to press animal cruelty charges against Chin, according to KTVU-TV.
He said they want to take ben from Chin because, “the dog doesn’t deserve that.”
5. The Case Is Being Investigated by Police & the County Human Services Agency
The Fairfield Police Department is investigating. (Facebook)
The Fairfield Police Department said they have conducted interviews after being made aware of the video, and the investigation is ongoing.
“Thank you to everyone for sending us messages about the video of the suspected animal cruelty. Fairfield PD did respond out Thursday with Humane Animal Services. We are working with them to investigate the case,” Fairfield Police said on Facebook. “If anyone witnessed the event please contact us. We are also interested in speaking to the person who recorded the video so we can thoroughly investigate the case.”
Anyone with information can call police at 707-428-7300.
