Stevenson man allegedly blows up dog with explosive device

A Stevenson man who owns a fireworks stand allegedly attached an explosive device to his dog and detonated the device, according to the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office.

Christopher Dillingham, 45, allegedly detonated the device at 3:45 a.m. Sunday, according to the sheriff’s office. A neighbor reported the loud explosion and deputies responded to the semirural residence and found the animal dead on Dillingham’s property.

Investigators are certain the explosion was intentional, although they are withholding the motive for now, Undersheriff Dave Cox said. They believe the device was attached to the collar of the large dog. They also found evidence inside the home.

Dillingham owns a fireworks business and operates a stand at Stevenson every year for Independence Day, Cox said.

Dillingham was booked into the Skamania County jail early Sunday morning on suspicion of second-degree malicious mischief, reckless endangerment and possession of explosive devices. He appeared in the Skamania County Superior Court on Monday afternoon.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explsives, as well as the Metro Bomb Squad, responded to the incident.

The investigation into the case is ongoing, according to the sheriff’s office.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.