YOUNGSTOWN — The Mahoning County Dog Warden’s Office is asking for the public’s help in identifying the driver of a car that hit a dog — apparently on purpose — along the Madison Avenue Expressway.

The dog warden’s office is also hoping to talk to the owner about making arrangements for the animal, a brown and white pit bull with no collar. It was not neutered.

The dog warden’s office reported on its Facebook page that a young woman was trying to rescue the dog from the freeway Tuesday night and was walking alongside of the dividing wall trying to coax the animal to her.

The dog was running along the wall toward her when a black car was heard accelerating, then swerved toward the dog and hit it, the dog warden’s office stated.

The car kept going, and car parts were scattered all over the area. The dog flew in the air and came down hitting the divider wall and was killed instantly.

The location was near the exit for Himrod Avenue.

“There are no words to comfort the young ladies who witnessed this while trying to save the dog,” the dog warden’s office stated. “Our hearts break for them and for him.”

Dave Nelson, deputy dog warden, brought the animal back to the dog warden’s office.

Anyone with information is asked to call the dog warden’s office at 330-740-2205.