A tragic incident unfolded Thursday evening in West Ashley when a shoplifting suspect’s dog was fatally shot during an arrest. The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. near Radcliffe Place Drive and Bees Ferry Road, leading to the death of the dog and the arrest of the suspect, 51-year-old Tobin James Pettiet.
The Arrest and Incident with the Dog
Charleston police officers had arrived to serve an active arrest warrant for Pettiet when the situation escalated. As officers approached Pettiet, a “large, unleashed mixed-breed dog” charged toward them. One officer retreated, but the dog continued to lunge. In response, another officer fired their weapon, ultimately killing the dog at the scene.
Aftermath and Response
Pettiet was arrested without further incident. Animal control officers arrived shortly after the shooting and took the dog to a nearby veterinary hospital for humane aftercare. While the situation was unfortunate, animal control made sure the dog received proper attention after the event.
Chief Walker’s Statement
Charleston Police Chief Chito Walker expressed the department’s compassion for the animal and emphasized the difficult nature of such decisions. “No one wants to see an animal harmed, especially our officers. When there is a sudden and immediate threat, they are trained to act quickly to protect themselves and others,” said Chief Walker. He also acknowledged the emotional impact of such incidents, recognizing how much people love their pets.
Investigation and Conclusion
The incident remains under investigation as authorities work to gather more information about the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The police department stressed the importance of responsible pet ownership to prevent such situations, but also reiterated that these decisions are made quickly in moments of immediate danger.
