Donna Steen, a Tempe resident, is currently recuperating from injuries sustained during an altercation that unfurled at Dwight Park last month, an incident that also resulted in the death of her chihuahua following a clash sparked by an unleashed pit bull, as detailed in an interview with FOX 10 Phoenix.
Steen told FOX 10 Phoenix, "She called me a ‘Karen,’ which I never heard the term before, other than the name that my cousins have," this was about a confrontation that escalated when Steen tried to abide by police guidance by filming a pit bull that was not restrained despite local ordinances mandating leashes in public spaces, and the situation intensified resulting in physical violence and the tragic demise of her pet. While participating in what she believed was her civic duty, the response was a barrage of accusations, including being called a racist and a pedophile for recording minors, claims which were purportedly made during the hostile encounter that was partly captured on video and included threats of public shaming on social media platforms.
The tragic outcome left Steen's chihuahua, Trixie, with fatal injuries, who was aggressively attacked by the unrestrained pit bull, leading to severe trauma and subsequently euthanasia, according to reports from Head Topics. Tempe Police had previously advised Steen to document such instances of unleashed dogs; however, the events that unfolded reveal the unforeseen dangers of community surveillance when regulations are flouted.
While the owners of the pit bull have been visited by animal control officers following the incident, no forced changes have been imposed, and the family has expressed regret over the situation, one of them stating to FOX 10 Phoenix, "To the person of the dog, I apologize, but I didn’t expect for things to escalate how they did,". City prosecutors in Tempe are currently weighing potential charges for those involved, and the investigation continues as there's a divergence in narratives concerning the leash status of the pit bull during the tumultuous incident.
