In a tragic turn of events on Tuesday afternoon, a service dog was injured after North Charleston police mistakenly detained the wrong man. The incident unfolded around 3:15 p.m. when a father called police to report that his son had an active general sessions warrant for drug-related charges. The police had confirmed that his son, wanted by the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, had an arrest warrant for dangerous drugs.
Mistaken Identity and Detention
The father informed officers that his son was known to provide fake names and had a history of fleeing from authorities. Police, responding to a separate call, spotted an individual walking with a service dog who matched the physical description of the suspect. They then contacted the father again to confirm whether his son had a service dog, to which he confirmed, leading officers to believe they had found the right person.
As the officers detained the individual near the Ashley Phosphate I-26 overpass, one officer grabbed the leash of the service dog. In the commotion, the dog began acting erratically, slipping its collar and running across the overpass. Tragically, the dog was struck by a vehicle as it bolted across the road.
Quick Action Taken to Save the Dog
Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, one of the officers quickly transported the injured service dog to an emergency veterinary clinic for urgent medical care. While officers later confirmed that the detained individual was not the wanted man, they escorted him to the clinic where the dog was being treated.
Police Department’s Response
The North Charleston Police Department expressed deep regret over the incident. A spokesperson stated, “We are truly heartbroken that this occurred. As animal lovers and members of this community, we understand how much pets mean to the families who love them.” The department assured that they were working closely with the dog’s family and the veterinary team to provide support during this difficult time.
This incident highlights the challenges of mistaken identity and the importance of careful, accurate identification during police operations. The police department is continuing to offer assistance to the dog’s family as they navigate the aftermath of this tragic event.
