APD officer shoots, kills dog in East Austin
by KJCE Staff
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posted Apr 16 2012 1:24PM
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Updated 4:45pm with details from APD press conference
An Austin man is mourning the loss of his dog following an APD officer-involved shooting that took place on Saturday.
According to published stories from the dog's owner, Michael Paxton, as well as a press conference with Austin Police, officers responded to a domestic disturbance in the 2600 block of East 5th Street on Saturday afternoon before 5pm. Upon arriving at the scene, Officer Thomas Griffin - a 30-month veteran of the department - drew his weapon and proceeded to survey the property. No one was outside the residence responsible for the disturbance call.
Paxton was in the back yard of his home, playing frisbee with his Australian cattle dog Cisco. Paxton came around to the front of the residence and was getting something out of his pickup truck when he was approached by Ofc. Griffin, who ordered him to put his hands up. Shortly afterwards, the dog came around to the front of the house and charged the officer, who fired in "self defense". Paxton claims he pleaded with the officer that the dog would not hurt him; APD says the officer had a "right to defend himself."
A video clip has been posted to the Justice for Cisco Facebook page, showing officers' reaction some point after the dog was killed.
For its part, APD apologized for shooting the dog, and also said that Ofc. Griffin is not currently under investigation related to this incident and he remains on full duty.
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