A Baltimore man was charged with animal cruelty after police said he kicked and stomped four puppies to death.

Officers were called to the on Nov. 9 for an animal cruelty report. Witnesses told police they saw 21-year-old Donald Yearwood kill the four puppies inside the home, but when officers arrived, Yearwood and the puppies were gone.

Nearly three hours later, police responded after a group of children found four puppies in a dumpster. Three of the puppies were pronounced dead at the scene and a fourth was taken to an animal medical center where he later died from his injuries.

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Witnesses said that on the night of the incident, Yearwood "was inside the home attempting to sleep," however the puppies were making noise. He then kicked and stomped the puppies, according to police, and threw them down a flight of stairs before putting them in a box and leaving the home.

Several young children witnessed the attack, police said.

Surveillance footage showed Yearwood putting the puppies into the dumpster. He was charged with 17 counts of animal cruelty and other animal abuse charges. An arrest warrant has been issued.

Detectives from the Animal Abuse Unit said this isn’t Yearwood’s first run-in with police. On Oct. 22, officers were called to his home after a pitbull bit a child. Animal Control removed the dog, six puppies, from the home, but didn’t know that four more puppies were still inside.

Anyone with information Yearwood’s whereabouts is asked to call 911 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7Lockup.