The Los Angeles Police Department released this photo on May 24, 2016 of a van they believe was driven by a man who punched a small dog to death earlier in the month.

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The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a man who repeatedly hit a small dog and killed it.

A witness reported seeing a small dog jump out of a van in the 1600 block of East First Street in Boyle Heights on May 14 about 1:30 p.m.

The driver chased the dog, punched it and threw it onto the sidewalk several times until it died, LAPD officials said in a press release.

"We were sitting down in the park and we saw this guy torture the dog, just left it there dead," said witness Andrew Vizcarra.

The man then drove away from the area and the witness was able to take a picture of the van.

"The description of the vehicle is very good," said LAPD Lt. Chris Ramirez. "Hopefully it provides some good leads."

The suspect is described as being white with balding gray hair, between 50 and 60 years old. He is believed to be about 6 feet tall, weighing about 280 pounds, police said.

The vehicle appears to be a 1996 to 2000 silver or gray Dodge Caravan with an off-color rear bumper. The van was also carrying two bicycles in the back.

Anyone with information about the man or the vehicle can call the Los Angeles Police Department Animal Cruelty Task Force at 213-486-0450. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.

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