Jackson Police Shoot Pit Bull Following Robbery
JACKSON, Tenn. — Jackson police shot a dog Wednesday night following a late night robbery. Investigators say the dog broke its chain and charged officers. The robbery happened around 10 p.m. at the Dollar General on Campbell Street. “All we heard last night was a lot of lights and running,” said Vernase Blackburn, a neighbor. Blackburn says there are pit bulls in the area. “I have seen them very aggressive when they had them tied to the tree there in the back,” Blackburn said. Police say the pit bull broke its chain then charged officers and a department K9, a German Shepherd named Aron. “The handler initially yelled at this pit bull and tried to get him to go away,” Captain Tyreece Miller, with the Jackson Police Department said. “He wasn’t going to go away.” Miller confirms two officers fired at the pit bull. He says one used his firearm and the other used a shotgun. “We don’t have to wait until someone gets injured or bitten by a dog,” said Miller. “If we feel like our lives are in danger or the lives of a third person’s in danger then we’re authorized to use deadly force.” Some support the officers‘ decision to shoot. “Of course, you have to protect yourself you certainly do if you’re being attacked,” said R.L. “Buddy” Patey, a neighbor. Jackson police recommended the dog see a vet. As of Thursday afternoon, they did not have an updated condition on the animal. Investigators need help finding four suspects accused of robbing the store. Officers confirm one of the Dollar General employees was hit with a gun during the robbery. Call the Jackson Police Department or Crime Stoppers if you have information about the robbery.
