Home / Crime and Justice / York Police Commissioner Explains Officer-Involved Dog Shooting
York Police Commissioner Explains Officer-Involved Dog Shooting
8 Jul
Summary
- An officer shot a dog that charged him after responding to a neighbor's report.
- Bodycam footage confirmed the officer's account of the dog's aggressive approach.
- The DA ruled the shooting justified, citing the immediate threat to the officer.
Police Commissioner Michael Muldrow addressed community concerns regarding an officer-involved shooting that occurred on the evening of June 16. The incident involved an officer responding to a 911 call about a disturbance at an apartment. Upon arrival, the officer found the occupant unresponsive but later heard them asking who was at the door.
As the officer was leaving after documenting broken windows, a pitbull charged from the apartment. The officer discharged his weapon, firing three shots and striking the dog, while also injuring the apartment occupant in the calf. The District Attorney's office, reviewing bodycam footage, deemed the officer's actions justified due to the immediate threat posed by the animal.
Commissioner Muldrow shared the bodycam video with community leaders, emphasizing the need for transparency. He acknowledged the emotional difficulty of the event, noting his own love for dogs, but stressed the officer's right to self-defense against a potentially lethal threat. The officer has since returned to duty after an investigation confirmed the justification for his actions.
