CPD- Investigate Improvements To Reduce Live Fire Incidents
- by: Sue Lee
- recipient: Chief Jacobs of Columbus, Ohio Police Department
A recent incident in Columbus, Ohio involved a child getting shot by an officer while aiming at a dog. The little 4-year old girl got shot in the leg when the officer was allegedly firing at a charging dog. According to witnesses, the officer drove off after the little girl was shot and we are pursuing this petition in an effort to ask the police department to do more extensive training on how to handle such situations so that this type of accident does not reoccur.
Relatives of the little girl were disturbed about the situation and say that the roughly 40-pound dog, a bulldog mix named Patches, was retreating inside from the porch when the officer fired. Their attorney stated "The dog may have barked at the officer; however, the officer should not have shot. There was absolutely no reason for him to shoot. He was within 10 (or) 12 feet of the children."
This officer was much to quick to fire and allegedly without warrant according to witnesses at the scene. A thorough investigation is being conducted by the police department along with that of private investigators hired by the girls’ family and attorney. Something needs to be done to ensure such a rash judging and quick firing of a gun does not occur again. You can help this family gain justice by signing and sharing this petition.
Chief Jacobs of Columbus, Ohio Police Department – You need to train your officers much better to ensure that they do not fire first and investigate later, often putting innocent people in harm’s way. Witnesses claim that this officer had no reason to shoot – there was no danger with a dog and an innocent child was harmed. Stop officers from making rash decisions when on calls. Learn how to humanely handle situation where animals are involved – instead of drawing a gun. If he had such training, no one would have been shot!
