CALHOUN COUNTY, MI (WTVB)- At approximately 5:11 p.m. on Friday, May 23, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) responded to a report of aggressive dogs in the 8000 block of Swift Road in Pennfield Township.
While deputies were in route, the Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority (CCCDA) received additional calls reporting the same dogs running loose in the area. Callers indicated there were three dogs involved, described as Pit Bulls, with no known owner at the time. The neighborhood is residential, with children often playing outdoors, which heightened safety concerns among residents.
Upon arrival, deputies spoke with two complainants. One individual reported that the dogs had entered his property and attacked his dog, causing minor injuries. A second complainant stated that the dogs aggressively charged at her while she was in her own yard. These reports came from separate residences within the neighborhood.
Deputies located the three dogs in a side lot near a residence. As a deputy approached in an attempt to secure the dogs in his vehicle, the animals immediately charged at him. The deputy issued loud verbal commands in an effort to deter the dogs. However, the dogs continued to advance, and one lunged at the deputy within 3–5 feet. With no time to retreat or seek cover, the deputy discharged his firearm three times, striking the closest dog. The remaining two dogs fled the scene.
Shortly after the incident, the dogs’ owners arrived and secured the two remaining dogs. The dog struck by gunfire was pronounced deceased at the scene. CCSO personnel offered to transport the deceased animal to the Calhoun County Animal Shelter, but the owners declined, choosing to take the dog home themselves.
The dogs’ owners were visibly distraught and agitated. Deputies made efforts to de-escalate the situation and remained on scene until the deceased dog was removed. A CCSO supervisor responded to provide oversight, documentation, and contact information for any necessary follow-up.
This release is issued in the interest of transparency regarding an unfortunate situation that resulted in the use of force. A still image from the deputy’s body-worn camera has been included to illustrate the proximity of the charging dog and the other two advancing dogs at the time of the incident.
The investigation remains ongoing, and an administrative review is being conducted due to the use of force. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Lieutenant Curtis Smith at 269-781-0880 or submit an anonymous tip through Silent Observer at 269-964-3888.
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