Tow Yard Dog Killed By Deputies

By: , Tow Squad News.       Published on:       Subscribe in a reader

Deputy: Animal Was ‘Lunging’

When Weapons Discharged

 

SACRAMENTO, CA – The decision of two California deputies to discharge weapons during a burglary investigation at an area tow yard is under review after the owner’s dog was shot and killed Sunday.  The officers claim the animal had lunged toward them, justifying the use of deadly force.

The officers were with the Yuba County Sheriff’s Department.  Their jurisdiction is just north of Sacramento.

Tow Yard's Dog Killed By Deputies

The dog, named Emily, was a Queensland heeler.  The breed has historically been bred for herding cattle, and are not typically thought of in terms of aggression.  

Owner Ruben Clement called police response “totally unreasonable.”

The burglary being investigated was at Clement’s C&F Towing of Olivehurst.  The property has experienced over a dozen break-ins in the past year, leading to stolen vehicles and office equipment.  Thieves have repeatedly been able to use an adjacent property to slice through the yard’s security fence.

While the unnamed deputies were taking a report of the incident, they were approached by the dog who may have escaped the perimeter after a hole was cut in the gate.  It is unclear if officers knew that Emily belonged to the yard owner.

“They said she was lunging at them,” Clement told the Associated Press.  “But she’s never bit anyone.  She’s as gentle as can be.”

Clement has had the dog four years, since she was a pup.

“She’d been part of the family,” Clement explains.  “If they were concerned (about their safety), they should have stayed in their car and called my driver.”

Yuba County Sheriff Steve Durfor says the matter is under review, and the appropriateness of the offier’s actions “has yet to be determined.”

The sheriff personally called the shop afterwards to express his condolences to Clement, but is awaiting the investigation before determining how to proceed.

“I’m not passing judgment,” he said of the shooting, “If we do find that it was not a reasonable use of force, we will take it seriously.”

_________________________________________

Want to share your own story?
Contact Us
or call 888-603-2599.

This towing news story is brought to you by Tow Squad Towing News

  • Like texting-while-driving, on-board computer systems can represent a dangerous distraction from the road.

  • The widespread use of camera phones can inflate a single incident, and unfairly paint the reputation of an entire business.

  • An annual gathering of motorcycle enthusiasts in St. Louis ensnared local police this week, resulting ultimately in two deaths, dozens of arrests and nearly ninety bikes towed.

  • Tow owner in Penn. is suing local police chief, claiming his company has been denied tow work despite contract

  • Towing companies could be facing new local guidelines from OH Supreme Court decision…

View All Suggest event/story

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

Cash Calls

CALLS = CA$H

Learn how our call center can earn you extra business and improve your ROI. Get calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Industry Advisor

Industry Advisor

Looking to expand your business but don't know where to start? TOW SQUAD can help.

 
 
24/7 Immediate Response Towing & Roadside Assistance Call 855-869-7823!
Array
(
)

Array
(
)
::