An Omaha police officer shot
and killed a dog on a public sidewalk. The officer’s report claims the shooting
was justified; however, the owners call the incident an execution of afriendly, family pet. Mike McKnight obtained surveillance video of the incident
for a Fact Finders exclusive.
On October 7th, after
midnight, police blocked a street in the area of 35th and Vinton to look for an
armed suspect. They say Chris Schulte, who lives in the area, ignored orders to
stop and walked the family dog toward the search area. He was arrested and his
dog, Teela, shot.
Chris Schulte said, “You know
I should have got back but I was just walking on. Not threatening, dog wasn't
being aggressive.”
In the report by Officer
Schuster and Officer Clement, the officers said “suspect’s dog became
aggressive, growled at officers, and showed its teeth before being shot and
killed.”
Lt. Darci Tierney, Omaha
Police, “The Omaha Police Department is aware of the incident and Chief
Schmaderer has authorized an Internal Investigation into the matter. As with
all personnel matters, the Omaha Police Department is unable to comment
further. Per OPD policy, anytime an officer discharges his/her firearm during
the course of their duties an arduous review of the discharge will take place.”
Tim Wagner told Channel 6 News
he watched the incident, live, from inside his home via a night vision security
camera.
Wagner said, “The dog didn't
stand a chance. The dog did nothing aggressive. I've lived next to this dog two
and a half years and it’s one of the best dogs.”
Fact Finders checked with the
Nebraska Humane Society. Teela, a Labrador, golden retriever mix, had a clean
record with no history of bites or vicious behavior. Schulte says Teela
belonged to his aunt, Michelle Meadows.
Meadows said, “It was very
shocking. I would think they would maybe taser her or something, if they
thought she was being aggressive, but I don't think she was.”
The police report described
Schulte as intoxicated. He was arrested, at the scene, for obstructing police
and resisting arrest. He claims Teela, who was still on a leash, didn’t
threaten to attack officers before one of them shot her.
“They didn't have to shoot em.
Not at all. (It was an) Execution,” said Schulte.
Fact Finders showed the video
to Omaha police command staff, whom provided a response. Lt. Darci Tierney
said, “The Omaha Police Department is aware of the incident and Chief
Schmaderer has authorized an Internal Investigation into the matter. As with
all personnel matters, the Omaha Police Department is unable to comment
further. Per OPD policy, anytime an officer discharges his/her firearm during
the course of their duties an arduous review of the discharge will take place.”
Channel 6 News did pay for the
rights to air the video.
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