A former Grover Beach, California, police officer is facing felony charges after one of his dogs attacked and killed a man. According to Thursday’s publication of the San Luis Obispo Tribune, Alex Geiger, who resigned from the police department this week, could face up to four years in prison if he is found guilty.
Geiger’s dogs, a Belgian Malinois and a German shepherd, attacked a 64-year-old man and an 86-year-old woman in mid-December. The man, identified as David Fear, died from his injuries three days after the attack, and the woman, Betty Long, had to be hospitalized for her serious injuries.
The Belgian Malinois, named “Neo,” was found to be the primary aggressor in the fatal attack – the dog was euthanized on the same day of the fatal mauling. Geiger had worked at the Exeter Police Department with Neo for about one year – he purchased the dog from the department when he left. According to the publication, Geiger signed a waiver of liability (protecting the city) when he purchased the dog from the Exeter Police Department.
The District Attorney’s Office alleges that Geiger knew that his dog was dangerous and he is facing two counts of failing to maintain control of a dangerous animal.
Of note – Neo’s services as a working canine were never utilized by the Grover Beach Police Department – the department indicated that they “weren’t interested” in him.
Prior article about this tragic situation here.
(Stock Photo via Pixabay free images)
So sad! !! So sorry för both of you!!!
What a sad story, seems that his dogs had issues from the very beginning of time, hope the lady recovers.
If the police department said that Neo was never utilized……how was Geiger able to buy the dog from the PD. I’m confused.
Strange story…something’s missing…