Arrest after dog injured by firework

TULALIP — Tulalip Tribal police officers say they were forced to kill a dog after the animal fetched a lit firework that later exploded in its mouth.

A 52-year-old man was arrested in connection with the July 8 incident. David Nahinu appeared Monday in Everett District Court where a judge ordered him held on $10,000 for investigation of first-degree animal cruelty.

Nahinu isn’t a tribal member, and the case is expected to be forwarded to the Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office for a charging decision.

Nahinu was arrested Friday after police searched his home. They found fireworks similar to the one believed to have injured his neighbor’s dog, as well as illegal fireworks, Tulalip Tribal Police Chief Jay Goss said.

Witnesses told officers that they saw Nahinu throwing fireworks into his neighbor’s yard. One neighbor reported seeing a bright flash and hearing a loud explosion around the time that the dog was injured, according to police affidavit.

The firework that exploded in the dog’s mouth is typically launched into the sky from a cardboard tube, not thrown on the ground, Goss said.

“It’s not an illegal firework,” he said. “It can be bought at any firework stand. It’s meant to be used in certain manner. It’s not meant to be thrown and ended up flying around the neighborhood.”

Nahinu allegedly told investigators that the dog had approached smaller fireworks he initially threw on the ground. He said he lobbed the larger firework toward the dog and the animal grabbed it and walked away. Then there was a loud explosion, according to the police affidavit.

The man said he saw the dog drop and roll and then stop moving. He said he went to see what happened but the dog’s owners yelled at him so he went back into his house.

Nahinu told police that he threw the larger firework toward the dog, knowing the animal would play with it, police wrote.

The dog, a German Shepherd mix, had severe injuries to his mouth and face. An officer shot the injured animal to end the dog’s suffering, Goss said.

Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463; hefley@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Employees and patrons of the Everett Mall signed a timeline mural that traces the history of the 51-year-old indoor mall that was once considered the premier place to go shopping in the city. Thursday, March 20, 2025 (Aaron Kennedy / The Herald)
Mall mural offers nostalgic trip into the past

Past and present Everett Mall employees joined customers Thursday to view an artistic timeline of the once popular shopping mecca.

Edmonds Mayor Mike Rosen gives his State of the City address on Thursday, March 20 in Edmonds, Washington. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
Edmonds mayor talks budget at 2025 State of the City

Mayor Mike Rosen discussed the city’s deficit and highlights from his first year in office.

Logo for news use featuring Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Driver, suspected of DUI, hits WSP vehicle on I-5 near Everett

The trooper was blocking the HOV lane for a previous collision when his vehicle was struck Saturday morning.

Skimming devices reported in Everett at gas stations, ATMs

Police warn residents to check for tampering, monitor accounts for fraud.

Oliver Popa, 7, poses with his book, "Drippey Plants a Garden," on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds 7-year-old publishes children’s book featuring ‘Drippey’ the bee

Oliver Popa’s first grade teacher said he should publish a longer version of a writing assignment. A year later, his mother — a publisher — helped made it happen.

Sound Transit picks Dow Constantine as new CEO

Constantine has served as the King County Executive since 2009.

Everett mayor Cassie Franklin delivers her State of the City address on Friday, March 28 in Everett, Washington. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
Everett mayor focuses on public safety in keynote address

During Cassie Franklin’s State of the City speech, she announced new police programs and a youth violence prevention directive.

North County Fire commission appoints new fire chief

Before Dave Kraski was appointed, the commission changed the requirements needed to hold the fire chief position.

Jeannie Nicholos points out some of the multi-colored marks on her office wall left by lighting that struck the outside of her home and traveled inside on Thursday, March 27, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett home hit by lightning, catches fire

Family escapes as roof burns; two other homes hit on Camano Island.

Snohomish County sheriff Susanna Johnson swears in colleagues during the ceremonial oath of office at the PUD auditorium in Everett, Washington on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Sheriff, council member elected to lead Snohomish justice council

Dunn and Johnson to co-chair as the council encourages community members to join.

Judge sets $2M bail in 1989 Everett murder case

Joseph Andrew Jacquez pleads not guilty in first court appearance after extradition from Nevada.

‘An uphill battle’: South County firefighter facing his toughest fight

Nick Jessen, 38, has stage four lung cancer, a disease disproportionately affecting his profession.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.