Family outraged after Jacksonville police officer shot and killed their dog

The shooting of a family’s dog by a police officer is currently being administratively reviewed by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office in Florida. The dog was shot and killed on Monday after Kimberly Barus heard her dogs barking, went out into the yard and noticed her gate had been opened while a teenage boy had been lurking by her car.

According to News4Jacks, when Barus went to get her husband, the teen had taken off running down the street back to his home. The teen’s mother called the police reporting the dogs had been chasing him, and not long after, an officer from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office arrived at Barus’ home. She explained to the officer the dogs had not been outside the fence at any time, and it was at that time Barus stated that the officer asked her to unlock the gate to see if the dogs would come out.

When Barus opened the gate, the one dog Lucy came out, approached the officer and gave him a “playful nip.” The officer allegedly drew his gun and fired at the dog; the first shot missed, but he continued to fire on the side of the car until Lucy died. Barus said Lucy was trying to escape from the officer, and since the officer was wearing a bodycam, wants the video released to prove after the first shot, the dog was so scared she tried to run away and killing her dog was unnecessary.

Kimberly Barus and her family were devastated:

 **** it’s a very long story but an individual came into my fenced in yard and startled my dogs (assuming he saw something he wanted) after I ran him off he went home and called the law saying my dogs chased him (they never left my yard!) JSO shows up and asked me to open my gate that is posted no trespassing and beware of dog so he can see if they will run out. My dumb ass complies and as soon as my dog came out and walked by him with butt wiggling he shoots 5 times at her rear striking her with 3 of them. My 8 year old came out the door and witnessed it. JSO has put him on desk duty until investigation is complete. I have never witnessed anything so ridiculous and will fight for justice!

Kimberly Barus via Facebook

Meanwhile, Barus’ other dog Peaches remains missing. She is microchipped, but timid and won’t go to strangers.

PEACHES” Lost dog edgewood/beaver area. Please contact me if anyone sees her. JSO shot my other dog this morning in the rear as she was running away from him. Peaches bolted at the first shot and hasn’t been seen since. .. Praying peaches will be found as my children are devastated with what they saw in a very unnecessary situation!

Kimberly Barus

A neighbor who reportedly had her door open at the time of the incident said she never saw the dogs chase after the teen.

Updates to follow.

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