News Summary
A federal lawsuit has been filed against Detroit officer David Gonzalez for allegedly shooting two dogs while pursuing a suspect. One dog was killed, and another was severely injured. The lawsuit raises concerns over police use of deadly force against animals and whether proper protocol was followed during the incident. The plaintiffs claim their dogs posed no threat, supported by body camera footage. This case is part of a troubling trend of lawsuits against the Detroit Police for excessive force towards animals.
Detroit Police Officer Faces Lawsuit After Shooting Two Dogs During Suspect Chase
A federal lawsuit has been filed against Detroit police officer David Gonzalez and four colleagues, alleging that they shot and killed a dog and injured another while pursuing a suspect on February 13, 2024. The complaint was submitted to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, highlighting concerns over the police use of deadly force against animals during law enforcement operations.
The incident occurred after a suspect jumped into a locked backyard belonging to plaintiffs Shanise Beard and Roderick Jackson Jr. During the pursuit, Officer Gonzalez reportedly fired two shots while reaching over the fence into the enclosed space, resulting in the death of Jojo, a Cane Corso, and severe injuries to Drama, a mixed breed. Jojo died at the scene, while Drama was rushed to a veterinarian but suffered extensive damage that hindered her ability to walk.
The legal representation for the plaintiffs stated that the dogs were “just doing their jobs, barking” and did not present a threat to the officer or the suspect. A Freedom of Information Act request filed by the plaintiffs allowed them to obtain body camera footage that reportedly demonstrated the dogs posed no risk during the encounter.
According to the lawsuit, Officer Gonzalez admitted feeling scared during the incident. Notably, the fleeing suspect did not suffer any injuries from the dogs, nor was there any visual evidence indicating that the dogs caused harm. The lawsuit references the Detroit Police Use of Force Policy, which emphasizes that deadly force against animals should only be justified to prevent harm to humans or other animals.
Background on the Incident
The documentation states that Detroit police officers did not allow the plaintiffs the opportunity to secure their dogs prior to entering the backyard, raising questions about the officers’ adherence to protocol. Additionally, it has been reported that the dogs involved were properly licensed at the time of the incident.
This lawsuit is indicative of a broader trend involving litigation against the Detroit Police Department related to allegations of excessive force directed towards animals. Earlier in March, another lawsuit was filed by a woman and her two sons, claiming that police killed their dog without justification during a different incident.
Reactions and Next Steps
Conrad Mallett Jr., the Detroit Corporation Counsel, has declined to comment on the ongoing litigation regarding this matter. As the lawsuit unfolds, it raises critical questions about police practices and the treatment of animals during law enforcement activities.
As part of the legal process, the court will evaluate the evidence, including the aforementioned body camera footage, and determine the validity of the claims made by the plaintiffs. The outcome of this lawsuit may have implications for future police conduct and the policies governing the use of force against animals in the Detroit area.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Metro Detroit Offers Free Family Fun Activities
Police Capture Suspects Following Carjacking in Detroit
Remains in Detroit Field Identified as Baby Doll
Body Recovered from Detroit River Sparks Investigation
Stabbings in Detroit Leave One Dead and Another Hospitalized
Detroit Parents Demand Action After Violent Teacher Incident
16-Year-Old Charged with Felonious Assault in Detroit Stabbing
Dearborn Attorney Claims Targeted Interrogation at Airport
Detroit Man Sentenced for Reckless Gun Violence
Gunfire Incident Disrupts Peace on Detroit’s I-96
Additional Resources
- The Detroit News: Lawsuit Claims Detroit Cop Shot 2 Dogs That Posed No Threat
- Metro Times: Detroit Family Sues City Police Officers for Killing Chained Dog
- Reason: Detroit Woman Sues City After Police Officers Shot Her Dog and Left it in a Trash Can
- Wikipedia: Police Use of Force
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lawsuit
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
