HOPKINS COUNTY, Texas - The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an incident in which a deputy fatally shot a dog while attempting to serve a high-risk felony warrant at a residence Thursday.
The sheriff’s office released details about the Aug. 13 incident after officials became aware of a social media post circulating about what happened.
According to the sheriff’s office, deputies went to a residence to serve a high-risk felony warrant on an individual believed to be associated with the address.
When a resident opened the door, authorities said a dog pushed past the person in what the sheriff’s office described as a protective manner.
The sheriff’s office said the dog then lunged at a deputy.
The deputy, attempting to protect himself, discharged his firearm and struck the dog. The animal died from its injuries.
Authorities did not identify the deputy, the resident or the person who was the subject of the felony warrant. The sheriff’s office also did not disclose what charges were associated with the warrant.
Investigators have since determined that the person deputies were attempting to locate no longer lives at the residence.
The sheriff’s office said it is working directly with the resident following the loss of the dog.
The incident remains under investigation, and the agency said it is reviewing all available information to determine an appropriate internal response consistent with department policies and practices.
