VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — A Virginia Beach resident’s dog was shot and killed during a burglary early Monday morning.

Virginia Beach police said in a news release officers responded to a burglary call in the 600 block of Liberty Bell Road — off Constitution Drive — around 4:10 a.m.

Responding officers found two men at the home unharmed.

Police said it is believed three suspects forced their way into the home. At some point, the resident’s dog was shot and killed by the suspects.

The man who lives at the home, Herbert Culbertson, told 10 On Your Side someone kicked in the front door around 4 a.m. Culbertson said his 11-year-old pit bull Duce was sleeping on the bed with him and started barking.

Culbertson said his brother was asleep on the couch. He then heard three gunshots and saw a pool of blood near his dog.

Culbertson said Duce died in his arms.

According to police, there is limited information available about the suspects. The case remains under investigation.