WALTON COUNTY, Fla. — A Walton County deputy reportedly shot a dog while first responders were attempting to battle a fire on Mixon Road in Mossy Head.
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According to a Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) statement, a 911 call was received on August 15, 2024, at 5:39 a.m., about a large fire in the Mixon Road area. First responders from Walton County Fire Rescue arrived at the scene at 5:46 a.m., where they reportedly encountered two aggressive dogs that hindered their ability to access the property.
The Battalion Chief radioed dispatch that the dogs had attacked him, forcing him to retreat to his truck. When additional fire rescue units arrived, they were also reportedly pinned inside their vehicles by the dogs.
The WCSO said the deputy used a taser and verbal commands to scare the animals away, but they remained aggressive. The deputy then drew his firearm and fired three rounds, killing one dog. The report states that the other rounds did not hit the second dog.
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The Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the use of force was justified under agency policy, citing the danger the dogs posed to firefighters and the potential threat to anyone inside the home during the blaze. However, WCSO is investigating concerning behavior and comments reportedly made after the shooting, which the agency said do not align with its values.
“The comments made on scene do not meet the expectations we set at the Walton County Sheriff’s Office and are not an indication of our set of values or our mission,” said the WCSO in its statement issued on September 11.
“The situation is devastating and unfortunate. We understand the concern of the community and ask for the public’s patience as we review the incident in its entirety.”
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