A Memphis Police Department officer is under scrutiny following the shooting of a dog that allegedly attacked him in the Highland Heights neighborhood, with the incident sparking questions and concerns from local residents.
Reports from WREG state that the event took place just past 11 p.m. in the 900 block of Beatrice Street, where a sign warning of the dog's presence adorned the door. As per police sources, the officer was attacked, prompting the responsive shooting. The status of both the officer and the dog remains uncertain as details about injuries, if any, and the dog's survival have not been disclosed.
Further details were provided by Action News 5, where a neighbor, Kadie Steele, expressed her dismay at the incident, stating, "I am very much in support of the police and all of that, but the response seemed very cold." Steele recounted her confusion over the lack of immediate care for the dog, and skepticism at the officer's assertion that an ambulance would attend to the animal, questioning if this was merely "lip service."
The time of the shooting was later clarified by FOX13 Memphis, which reported that the call came in shortly after midnight Wednesday. It is still unknown what incidents led up to the dog's attack on the officer, or the specific details surrounding the encounter, however, Memphis Animal Services were also called to the scene.
The MPD has not yet provided a fulsome account of the shooting, leaving community members and advocates at a loss for both information and assurance.
