OHIO -- Donna Hansen returned home from work to find out her dog was dead, shot and killed by a police officer, and now she wants justice.
Early Thursday morning, Sandusky Police received a call from a frightened mail carrier, who reported an “aggressive” dog roaming her postal route on Washington Court. When Officer Brad Wilson arrived at the scene, he unsuccessfully attempted to lure the female Rottweiler into his squad car with a dog pole.
Officer Wilson reported the dog “Began to rock back and forth while still showing its teeth and growling.” Wilson called for back-up as he believed, “The dog was preparing to bite me and cause physical harm.”
With the squad car's dash-cam rolling, Wilson drew his weapon and fired one round, striking the dog under the eye, killing her.
Sandusky Police Chief Jim Lang said, "We're sorry we had to do that but we really felt it was necessary that he had to do that." Lang continued, "Not only for his own protection but for the protection of the mail carrier and the other residents in that neighborhood."
Donna Hansen’s boyfriend, Jesse Likes, ran outside after hearing the gun-shot, and identified Lucy. When she returned home, Hansen found out she was issued a summons for No Dog Tags, and Dog at Large. She will also be responsible for fees associated with disposing of the dog’s carcass.
On Wednesday, Hansen pleaded not guilty to the two charges in Sandusky Municipal Court, due to the fact that Lucy was no longer alive when the tickets were issued. With momentum from her recently created “Justice for Lucy” Facebook page, Hansen organized a demonstration outside the court that over 30 supporters attended. She will continue her efforts by distributing “Justice for Lucy” t-shirts and heart pins. Hansen says she will consider pursuing charges related to animal cruelty against Officer Wilson.
Hansen and Likes will host a benefit to support Lucy on Friday, at Crowbar in downtown, Sandusky. The event begins at 6 p.m.
[What's worse, is that the dog didn't immediately die. The owner's boyfriend comes out demanding to know why the officer shot the dog... and they're arguing with each other while the dog is gurgling and flopping around. Everyone showed poor judgment here.]
(northwestohio.com - Feb 27, 2013)
