Trooper Shoots Dog While Attempting To Arrest A Fleeing Suspect

Suspect(s): Edward J. Stewart, 19, Bridgeville, DE

Resume:

A state trooper shot a dog while attempting to arrest a suspect for threatening to kill a woman.

The incident occurred on Mill Park Drive located in Coverdale Crossroads when Stewart allegedly threatened to kill the woman. The woman later flagged down a state trooper who was patrolling in the area. The trooper was also a K-9 officer. The woman was familiar with Stewart and pointed him out while the trooper was on Mill Park Drive investigating the incident.

The trooper told Stewart to stop however Stewart began to run. The trooper and his K-9 partner gave chase on foot and all three ran toward a wooded area. As the trooper rounded the back of a building the he was confronted by a dog that became very aggressive. The trooper halted along with his K-9. As the dog began to close in on the trooper he pulled his duty weapon and fired at the animal striking it. The dog ran off after the gunfire.

The trooper continued to search for Stewart, however, due to the stormy weather moving in caused the search to be discontinued.

The SPCA was notified to take custody of the dog. No collar was present and no owner came forth to claim the dog.

Stewart was arrested later in the evening when troopers returned to the area.