MESA, AZ (AZFamily) — The Mesa Police Department defended Monday the actions of its officers regarding the shooting death of an unleashed dog at a park late last month.
According to police, officers approached 37-year-old Jarell White, who was sleeping on a table at Fitch Park, on Center Street, north of University Drive, which is illegal, around 3 a.m. on Nov. 29.
The edited bodycam video released from one of the officers showed the two officers walking up to the picnic table and shining their flashlights at White and his dog. The officer said, “Hey,” before the dog jumped off the table and ran at the officers.
The dog barked consistently and charged toward the two officers. Police said the dog was still barking, growling, snapping and was aggressive as the officers continued to back up. The released bodycam video cuts to an officer who pulled out his gun and fired it three times, hitting the dog. Police said the dog then ran off…