A Sarasota police officer is under investigation after firing his weapon Tuesday morning during a response to a dog bite complaint.
In a post shared on Facebook, the Sarasota Police Department said officers were called to a home on North Links Avenue. The department said the “aggressive pitbull” approached one of the responding officers, prompting the officer to fire their weapon to “ensure safety.”
Authorities have not confirmed whether the dog was struck or injured.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is now leading an independent investigation into the officer’s actions. As of Tuesday evening, crime scene investigators had cleared the scene, but FDLE officials say the case remains open.
The property where the incident occurred is home to 12 dogs, according to witnesses. The dogs’ owners, SD and VD, say the situation escalated unnecessarily.
‘He fired three shots’
SD, who identified herself as one of the dogs’ owners, says she witnessed the shooting and claims she was grazed by one of the bullets.
“It wasn’t a rubber bullet. It was a live round ammunition. He fired three shots upon him, firing shots at the dog. I tried to grab the dog and then that’s when I was hit,” D said.
Her co-owner, VD, criticized the officer’s use of force, saying, “They came with fire extinguishers and mace. That’s what they had at first. They didn’t use that. He ended up just taking out his gun and ‘pew pew pew’.”
D echoed the concern, saying lethal force should have been a last resort.
“With multiple things at your dispense, a firearm should’ve been the last thing that you needed to grab. You could’ve used a taser, picked up a handful of dirt. These were puppies — two and a half-month-old puppies,” she said.
Dog bite prompted the 911 call
CG, a neighbor who says he was bitten by one of the dogs, was the person who called 911. He described the moment the dogs came at him.
“The pit bulls came charging out and they grabbed my leg and bit my leg,” G said. “I went to the hospital and got the tetanus shot.”
G said he is still awaiting a rabies shot. He also noted that the dogs were roaming freely.
“They weren’t on any leash or any collar,” he added.
He also claimed this wasn’t the first time the dogs caused problems in the neighborhood.
“One of my neighbors told me the dogs had chased a little girl. When I had a car here, another girl and boy jumped on the car to get away from the dog. That’s been going on,” G said. “No dog should be loose. If they are running loose, just have a gate or put up a fence or something.”
Despite the chaos, G said he supports the officer’s decision to use his weapon.
“If I had a chance, I would’ve shot the dog. The dog shouldn’t have attacked me. I didn’t bother it, and it came towards me and bit me,” he said.
Ongoing investigation
The FDLE has taken over the investigation and is following standard procedure for shootings involving police officers. Both the Sarasota Police Department and FDLE declined to provide additional details, citing the ongoing nature of the case.
A public records search revealed that at least one person associated with the property has faced previous animal cruelty charges, though it’s unclear how those charges may relate to this week’s events.
As the investigation continues, community members remain divided — some questioning the officer’s use of force, others pointing to long-standing concerns about the dogs’ behavior in the neighborhood.
We will continue to follow developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Legal Help for Dog Bite Victims
Dog bites can cause serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and long-term medical complications. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, Ovadia Law Group is here to help. Their experienced attorneys understand Florida’s dog bite laws and know how to hold negligent pet owners accountable. Whether the bite occurred in a public place or on private property, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Ovadia Law Group will investigate the incident, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. They’ll also deal with insurance companies so you don’t have to. With a compassionate approach and a commitment to justice, they’ll fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Call 1-800-674-9396 today for a free consultation and let Ovadia Law Group help you recover from the physical and emotional impact of a dog bite.
Source: wtsp
