A North Charleston family is now seeking legal assistance after a service dog, named Stink, was struck by a vehicle during a police encounter on July 8. The incident has left the dog severely injured and the family dealing with emotional, physical, and financial tolls.
The Incident: Mistaken Identity and the Tragic Outcome
Angelo Whitewolf, the dog’s owner, was walking with Stink to get an Icee when North Charleston police officers mistakenly identified him as a wanted man. According to the incident report, Whitewolf fit the description of the suspect. However, when officers approached him, they did not ask for his identification before placing him in handcuffs. In the confusion, the officers took control of Stink’s leash, causing the dog to run into the road and get hit by an oncoming vehicle.
“I just don’t understand why a half-mile walk turned into this,” Whitewolf said, clearly distressed by the turn of events. The police did not properly identify him before the incident, and he expressed his frustration, telling officers that they might have killed his dog.
Impact on Whitewolf and His Family
Whitewolf, who has suffered a traumatic brain injury and PTSD from an accident 11 years ago, has depended on Stink as his service dog to help manage his mental health challenges. The injury to his dog has had a profound impact on both Whitewolf and his family, particularly his mother, Deanna Hinton. She’s deeply concerned about how this incident might affect her son’s well-being.
“I’m watching him backslide five years, if not more. As a mom, it’s hard to watch,” Hinton said.
The family’s emotional distress has been compounded by the uncertainty surrounding Stink’s recovery. Whitewolf added that the incident has taken a significant toll on their financial and emotional stability. The dog’s injuries have left the family struggling as they await updates on whether Stink will survive.
A Broader Concern About Service Dogs and Police Encounters
For Whitewolf, this incident highlights a larger issue: many people, including law enforcement officers, don’t always know how to properly interact with service dogs. Whitewolf has expressed concern about the lack of understanding of the important role service dogs play in helping people with disabilities.
“Knowing that his service dog that has helped him for so long is no longer able to work, I’m scared,” Hinton said.
Police Response and Ongoing Support
In response to the incident, the North Charleston Police Department has offered to cover the dog’s veterinary bills and treatment costs. However, the family is seeking legal counsel due to the circumstances surrounding the incident. They believe that what led to the injury was avoidable and should be addressed.
The North Charleston Police Department issued a statement expressing regret for the incident and outlining their actions during the event. The statement explained that the officers believed Whitewolf was a wanted person during a stop on Ashley Phosphate and that Stink, frightened by the situation, pulled away from its leash, resulting in the dog running into traffic. The police acknowledged the severity of the incident, stating that they acted quickly to transport the injured dog to the emergency vet clinic.
“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’s statement reads. The department is working closely with the veterinary team and the family to support them during this difficult time.
While the North Charleston Police Department has expressed their regret over the situation, the family continues to seek justice and support. The incident has left them dealing with emotional and financial challenges, and they are advocating for more awareness of how service animals should be treated, especially in police encounters.
