Man, his small dog shot near Modesto Park

A man and his dog out walking were shot in Modesto and detectives are looking for the public’s help in capturing the suspect.

The man was treated for a gunshot wound to the leg and released from the hospital. His dog, a small male Pomeranian, underwent surgery and remains hospitalized.

The incident occurred Saturday at about 7:30 p.m. near Everett Park on Mount Vernon Drive just east of Carver Road, according to Heather Graves, spokeswoman for the Modesto Police Department.

Graves said the 59-year-old man was walking his dog near the park when he noticed a group of individuals there. One of the men in the group confronted the man and some words were exchanged.

Seconds later, he heard a “loud bang” and realized he and his dog had been shot. He walked to his nearby home and called police.

Police described the suspect as a black or Indian male who was last seen leaving the area in a 1980s or 1990s style four-door vehicle.

If you have any information about this shooting, please call Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. Tipsters may also text information to Crime Stoppers at 274637. Just type “TIP704” along with your message.

This story was originally published September 7, 2015 at 7:18 AM with the headline "Man, his small dog shot near Modesto Park."