Date of Offense
Complaint
Statement
Officer James Walbridge wrongfully shot a dog on the 1000 block of Marsh Road. He was driving past the house and saw a car parked too far towards the street. He approached the house, which had a short fence around it. A woman was sitting on the porch, but she spoke very little English, so Officer Walbridge knocked on the door. A resident walked out with him and they conversed for a moment, before the dog (who lives at the residence) went outside to investigate. It was not a pitbull or bulldog, and it was not running threateningly at Officer Walbridge. Dogs are protective and curious, especially in fenced off areas of their property that they can normally freely roam. He said "don't let the dog out," even though the owner wasn't near the door. He could have deescalated the situation and let the owner secure the dog by easily exiting the property as he was standing extremely close to the gate that led to the street. He instead chose to yell at the resident, who spoke very little English, and then waited and shot the rather calm dog multiple times. He then called for backup and then left the scene before the situation was resolved, likely scarred from killing an unthreatening dog. The homeowners have a ring doorbell feed of the incident (which I don't have), and the police (should) have bodycam footage. They refuse to release any documents to parties not directly involved. Case #24-460/2403010039.
