YORK COUNTY, Pa. — York City Police Department Commissioner Michael Muldrow has released a statement following a police incident involving two dogs, with one animal dead.
"First (once again), my heart sincerely goes out to everyone involved in the incident occurring at the home on Jessop Place," Muldrow wrote. "It should never be an officer's goal to take a life (people or pets)."
According to Muldrow and the York City Police Department, the incident happened as follows:
- Officers responded earlier on Sunday, Sept. 22 to a neighborhood dispute, turned physical altercation, that left a victim at the hospital with significant injuries from allegedly being pistol-whipped.
- The injuries and the allegation surrounding them constituted a felony aggravated assault charge.
- While still actively investigating, officers were called back to the area, where witnesses reportedly identified the suspects, and directed officers to the home on Jessop Place in York.
- At the home (per normal protocol), officers positioned themselves both at the front and the back of the property (the officer at the back waiting at the far end of the yard, approx 20ft from the adjacent alley).
- Officers were then met by two women. At this time, officers identified themselves and explained why they were there (advising the were looking for the two men who had just been involved in the physical altercation, brandishing a firearm in the process).
- During the conversation, both women reportedly stated that the men were no longer inside the home and did not live there.
- Officers continued to express the need to "check" or confirm that as fact (because of the severity of the allegations and the potential firearm).
- After originally refusing, and telling officers to "get a warrant", one woman subsequently cooperated, agreeing to allow officers to search the home for the men.
- While preparing to enter, their was a brief discussion between the homeowner and the Officers in the front about the dogs and people inside, during which: -she said the dogs weren't going to like seeing the officers -the officers asked for them to be put out back and bring all the people (including the kids) out front -she placed the dogs on the back deck, where she is seen and heard on the video telling them to "get down."
- Officers (from the front) then entered the home and began to search; while the officer in the back held his position at the far end of the yard.
- Shortly afterward, a small child is seen coming from the back of the house alone, and approaching the officer. The two engage briefly, during which the child asked about the officer's still-holstered taser. The officer acknowledges him, before asking the child if he can have his mom secure the gate on the back deck (as it was reportedly secured with a propped-up baby gate). The boy then walked away, back towards the rear of the residence.
- Suddenly, the two dogs appear in view (from the officers right) charging toward him. At that time, the officer pulled his firearm and responded, discharging his weapon multiple times, seemingly striking both dogs. One dog fell, and the second ran off, with the officer immediately acknowledging he had been "bitten".
- Following the incident, other officers searched and located the second injured dog, and called to return it to family and get care.
- The supervisor and officers at the scene reportedly attempted to follow up with the family, but they were too upset at the time.
-The officer then went to the hospital for treatment for "three dog bites to his right leg from one or both dogs" (with one bite puncturing the 1-1/2 inch leather wallet in his pocket).
York City Police confirmed to FOX43 that one of the dogs died and the other was taken to an emergency vet. The second dog's condition is unknown at this time.
"While it's important to recognize that the law permits officers to use force against 'threatening animals' in lawful situations, I recognize there were still beloved family pets to these owners, so (once again) my heart goes out to them (and all who witnessed it)," Muldrow wrote. "With that said, I'm sorry the dogs were harmed, I'm glad the officer is safe; and I'll be following up with the family, the Officers involved, my Department team, and City Administration to see if there's anything else we can do to help them or support that child through the traumatic experience."
