A call to check on a disorderly person on West Philadelphia Street ended with a deadly police shooting Tuesday night, officials said. A York City police officer shot and killed a loose dog and injured the animal’s owner in the 300 block of West Philadelphia Street at about 7:35 p.m. The owner was taken to a local hospital, where they were listed in stable condition. The department said the officer was not hurt. No names have been released.
According to a news release from the York City Police Department, the officer had been dispatched to the 300 block of West Philadelphia Street to check on a report of a disorderly person. While the officer was inspecting a resident’s home for damage, the officer “was attacked by a dog that got loose.” The department says the officer backed away and then fired several rounds, killing the dog and wounding the owner, who appeared to be trying to secure the animal. Police say the officer provided medical aid at the scene, the owner was taken for treatment, and the Pennsylvania State Police were called in to conduct an independent investigation.
Commissioner Says He Spoke With Those Involved
York Police Commissioner Michael Muldrow called the shooting “an unfortunate incident” in the department’s release and said he had spoken with both the officer and the resident. He pledged to keep the community updated as the investigation moves forward and thanked residents for their patience as details are sorted out. In keeping with department protocol, the officer has been placed on administrative leave while the inquiry proceeds, according to the York City Police Department.
Investigation Underway
The officer involved has not been publicly identified, and no criminal charges have been announced as of Wednesday, according to local coverage. As reported by CBS Pittsburgh, the department has said it will keep the public informed while Pennsylvania State Police carry out an independent review. For now, the official accounts remain limited as investigators gather evidence and speak with witnesses.
What Pennsylvania Law Allows
Pennsylvania law sets a high bar for when officers can use deadly force. Under Title 18, Section 508, a peace officer may use deadly force only if the officer reasonably believes it is necessary to prevent death or serious bodily injury, or in narrowly defined situations involving arrests and escapes. That standard will guide the internal review and any possible criminal inquiry as officials assess the officer’s actions in this case; the full statute is available from the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
