A recent incident in Calhoun County has sparked an investigation after a deputy shot and killed a dog that charged at him. Last Friday, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office was responding to concerns about aggressive dogs on Swift Road in Pennfield Township when the shooting occurred. According to MLive, three dogs described as pit bulls were involved in the incident, with one entering a resident's property and another charging at a person in her yard, prompting multiple calls to authorities.
The deputies arrived at a scene described as a residential neighborhood, frequented by children playing outside. As one deputy attempted to secure the animals, they charged, with one advancing to within three to five feet of him. "The deputy discharged his firearm three times, striking the closest dog," a sheriff's office official told MLive. The other dogs fled the scene.
Following the shooting, the owners of the dogs arrived and were described as "visibly distraught and agitated," according to the sheriff's office's report, per WZZM13. Deputies remained on the scene to de-escalate the situation and ensure that the deceased dog, who was pronounced dead at the scene, was properly taken care of. The dog's owners chose to take the dead animal home instead of having it transported to the Calhoun County Animal Shelter.
An ongoing investigation and an administrative review of the deputy’s use of force are underway. The sheriff’s office released a still image from the deputy’s body camera showing the dogs advancing and the deputy with his gun drawn, as reported by WWMT. The sheriff's office has emphasized its commitment to transparency in this "unfortunate situation that resulted in use of force," as described in their press release. Members of the public with any relevant information are being urged to contact Lieutenant Curtis Smith at 269-781-0880 or leave an anonymous tip through Silent Observer at 269-964-3888.
