Warrant Uncovers New Info On Firefighter Who Shot, Dumped Dogs

Warrant Uncovers New Info On Firefighter Who Shot, Dumped Dogs

A search warrant uncovered new information on a Columbus firefighter who admitted to shooting his dogs and dumping them behind a fire station.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio—A search warrant uncovered new information on a Columbus firefighter who admitted to shooting his dogs and dumping them behind a fire station.

NBC 4 reported with the FAST FACTS Wednesday.

Firefighter David Santuomo, a 12-year department veteran, told Capital Area Humane Society investigators the two dogs grew ill after digesting antifreeze Thursday, Dec. 4.

Santuomo said the dogs were shot Sunday, Dec. 7.

NBC 4 obtained a search warrant on Santuomo’s home that showed a .22-caliber rifle with a 2-liter plastic pop bottle taped to the muzzle.

The warrant also said Santuomo sent several text messages bragging that he was going to shoot his dogs instead of paying for their boarding during his December vacation.

Toxicology tests will determine whether, in fact, the dogs were poisoned with antifreeze.

Stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com for the latest information in this developing story.
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Reader Reactions

Flag Comment Posted by hattie on January 14, 2009 at 4:34 am

Remember that Ted Bundy worked at a crisis hot line center with a renowned True Crime Author all the while he was killing girls.  Jeffrey Dalmer worked at a chocolate factory and at the same time he was killing men.  His neighbors spoke well of him though they did not know he kept his victims dead body parts in his home.  That is how sociopaths are. They are able to blend in and appear that they are just like you and I all the while they are carrying on their horrible acts until finally the truth about them comes out, either by their own carelessness or by evidence pointing the finger at them.  Just because this person did some good down south when the hurricane hit does not mean he is not a cold hearted animal killer.

Flag Comment Posted by siena on January 11, 2009 at 6:22 pm

I worked with David in New Orleans immediately following Katrina. He was a great guy to work with, a hard worker and showed a great deal of compassion. David was the type of man that you wanted by your side if you were in trouble - the kind of man who would risk his life to save others ... I find all of this so hard to believe. I can only hope and pray that there is more to this story and that the public waits it out for the “rest of the story” because something does not seem right here. David was also the type to fool around - and perhaps these instant messages were meant as a joke or said in jest??? I just don’t know - and while I am not offering any excuses for this action - I just can’t help but think there is more to this story.

Flag Comment Posted by critz33 on January 06, 2009 at 7:36 pm

emtff82 Hammonds (the fireman) who committed this horrid act did have quite a few issues going on. First of all never once he ever spoke of a girlfriend/wife random female, and not to mention he had quite a few computers all linked together. Now I know of the extensive mental tests your guys and gals get put through I did my emt in Okinawa Japan via the military. So by no means do I undermine the hard work you all do, I appreciate it tremendously as for supporting Hammonds or Santuomo, I just cannot bring myself to do that. Granted Hammonds could have done something worse and he didnt which yes is a good thing. But as for Santuomo he did, he killed innocent animals who did not ask for anything but food, love, and a warm lap to lay on. I do Thank All of my FF and Cops, everyday you all go out there not knowing if you get to go home safely.

Flag Comment Posted by jmh1 on January 06, 2009 at 10:21 am

It doesnt sound like emtff82 is even aware of the actual story and wants to jump to defend his fellow civil service workers. I too know many Columbus firefighters and respect the work they do. But I also see the abuses that go on outside of there jobs. Fact is if David Santuomo, found guilty, would do this to helpless dogs, the question must be asked; what would he think about doing to his family!

Flag Comment Posted by emtff82 on January 06, 2009 at 7:55 am

In no way was I singling out your post. I am sorry you thought that.  And yes I know many Whitehall and Columbus firefighters.  There is always something underlying though.  I am sure this guy didn’t have this psychological imparement before hiring ( as there is an extensive and confusing Psych test ).  Something happened to trigger this if he at all did it. But yes that .1% tends to be blown up in media hype.  Please keep supporting your public safety employees. And this man does need support as well. I am sure not all the factors have yet been played out.

Flag Comment Posted by critz33 on January 06, 2009 at 7:01 am

I am by no means telling my children that fireman or police officers are bad. What I am saying to myself as a parent is it is sad that parents now have to be cautious. Yes it is ridiculous that a mere 1% of these people give others a bad name. Also if you read my entire post I have said that before. Parents have always had to be cautious of anyone regardless of their profession, it is just sad because people see Fireman and Police Officers every day weather it be in a store, or them rushing to go help someone. So trust me by no means am I intentionally lumping all Fireman or Police Officers with the people who have committed so crimes. Also if you read all of the post you will see I salute my Fireman/woman and Policeman/woman of my community.

Flag Comment Posted by emtff82 on January 05, 2009 at 7:54 pm

Well, first off it is not fair to judge all Firefighters on the alleged actions of one.  These men and women see more horrific things in one day than you will ever see in your life.  And why would you ever tell your children that firefighters are bad?? So that when your home catches fire and they hide because they are scared of these people trying to save you, guess what happens?? You are risking potential safety.  And I understand the frustration but all the media ever portrays is the negative actions of Public Service employees and volunteers.  These men and women risk alot, especially in Columbus they risk getting shot at, hit by a driver whom is distracted, and many other things. Please don’t EVER tell a child that firefighters or police officers are bad. Actions of one doesn’t constitute the entirety. Remember that when you have to call 911. We are here to serve you.

Flag Comment Posted by critz33 on January 02, 2009 at 7:01 am

This is getting insane, I mean first of all I tell my children that firefighters and police are the good guys and now I have to be cautious. First we dealt with Hamilton and his lucid sex acts and quite a few computers in his house, now this fireman and his dogs. Its these people here who give the rest of the Fire Dept and Police Dept bad names. A parent should not have to turn to their children and say “ok well about the fireman and policeman being good guys,well…“. I am glad I live in Whithall where I know my fireman and policeman and know these guys are the good guy. So hats off to my Whitehall guys and gals.

Flag Comment Posted by hattie on January 01, 2009 at 4:18 am

This individual is a very dangerous person.  A person that is capable of doing this is lacking in empathy and compassion for living creatures.  I bet this is not the first time that this person has either tortured pets and/or abused former/current significant others in his life.  If after 12 years working for the public to protect and to serve has not changed this individual to be empethetic to those less fortunate or helpless than he should be labled a sociopath, never be allowed to be in a public service job, should be banned from ever owning or being around pets or children and his picture and name should be registered online at a site on the computer that lists animal abusers so that the whole world would know what a dangerous person he is. I would like to add a warning to anyone who would get emotionally involved with this sociopath.  If he can’t show an ounce of mercy or compassion to a helpless animal than he will not be able to have any compassion on you either.  Beware of this sociopath!

Flag Comment Posted by gimme a break on December 31, 2008 at 3:38 pm

Toxicology tests could come back positive bt that does not prove his innocence in maltreatment of the dogs. He could have had the dogs ingest the anti-freeze himself. If toxicology tests are negative then the book should be thrown at him. How could someone with so little compassion for another living creature be in a position to care for others. Personally this sickens me and I hope it can be proven he is not guilty of this. Because if he is, he most certainly will not find any support from me whatever may happen to him criminally or his status within the fire department.

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