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Hamilton detectives say this man assaulted a cat in the 2500 block of South Clinton Avenue on Monday Feb. 6, 2017.

HAMILTON -- A man assaulted a resident's cat and ran away with the animal before dropping it as family members pursued him Monday, Hamilton police said.

Hamilton detectives made public pictures of the animal attacker in hopes the public can help them identify the man, who is not known to the family. The incident occurred at about 7:20 p.m. in the 2500 block of South Clinton Avenue.

"We do believe he lives in the area," Capt. James Stevens said. He said the incident appears to be a singular incident.

The man faces theft and animal cruelty charges when arrested, Stevens said.

Stevens said the man grabbed the resident's cat in front of the family's residence, beat it and ran with it. Family members were able to chase him, and he dropped the cat a short time later.

A family member took the cat to NorthStar VETS in Robbinsville, which operates an animal emergency room. The cat had to be euthanized, Stevens said.

The man is described as being 6-feet tall, 150 pounds and 18 to 20 years old who wore a gray hooded sweatshirt and light-color pants.

Anyone with information about the man's identity is asked to call Detective Leonard Gadsby at 609-581-4032 or the Hamilton police tipline at 609-581-4008.

Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@kevintshea. Find NJ.com on Facebook.