Body Camera Video Shows Arizona Deputy Fatally Shoot Dog Attacking K-9
The Maricopa County, Arizona Sheriff's Office on Wednesday released body camera video from an incident in which a deputy shot and killed a dog that attacked his K-9 partner.
The incident occurred after deputies responded to a disturbance call at 11121 West Greer Avenue in Youngtown on Aug. 4 around 9:07 p.m., according to a news release.
Deputies had responded to the same home for similar factors three times in the past 60 days and this was the second dispatched call to this address on that evening.
The first deputy on scene was advised by the residents that one occupant had fled from the rear of the home. As additional deputies arrived to assist, the first responding deputy retrieved his K-9 Tarzan, controlling its mobility by holding him on lead.
The deputy and K-9 were sent to the rear alley behind the home where the deputy was exposed to an open and unsecured fence line. They were immediately confronted by a large, aggressive barking dog charging in their direction.
The deputy gave several commands to the residents to restrain the dog and a woman attempted to but failed to control the dog. The dog charged from the yard to the alleyway immediately attacking K-9 Tarzan. The deputy was unsuccessful in separating the dogs and discharged his firearm to stop the attack.
The dog that attacked the K-9 succumbed to his injuries. K-9 Tarzan sustained injuries to his face and chest and broke a tooth.
"The use of force in any capacity is an unfortunate yet necessary element of our job. We strive to preserve life of all in our community to include our animal population," Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone said in a statement. "These circumstances are extremely dangerous and challenging. MCSO K-9 Tarzan is a member of our organization, no different than any deputy providing public safety in our community. Once his life was threatened and in jeopardy, lethal force was justifiable to stop the assault. Although we have empathy for the resident of the home and sympathy for the loss of the residential dog, a secured yard and propery restrained pet would have prevented this tragedy."
The incident remains under investigation.