March 23, 2025

Media Contact Information

PolicePIO@slc.gov

https://police.slc.gov/mediarequest/

SLCPD Officer Bitten by Dog; Dog Dies After Being Shot

SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) is investigating an incident in which an officer shot a dog after being bitten and injured by the animal.

This investigation began around 3:15 a.m. on Sunday, March 23, 2025, when SLC911 received a call from a convenience store employee at 1692 West North Temple Street. The employee reported people trespassing.

This area has experienced recurring public safety challenges.

Upon arrival, the initial two officers encountered a large group in the parking lot. Officers requested additional units to respond. As officers approached, some of the people within the group began to walk away. Officers gave verbal commands for the group to remain in place so they could investigate the reported criminal trespassing.

When an officer approached the group, a dog on leash began barking at the officer and then quickly lunged at the officer, biting him. Although the dog had a leash attached to its collar, no one was holding the leash, allowing the dog to move freely.

The officer bitten managed to break free, drew his firearm, and gave verbal commands for the dog’s owner to take control of the dog, despite having an injury.

The owner eventually gained control of the dog, and the officer notified dispatch of the dog bite but continued with the investigation.

Based on preliminary information, the dog’s owner gave custody of the dog to another person just after the bite occurred. This person began walking through the parking lot with the dog.

As another officer approached to detain the dog for animal services, the dog began jumping and acting aggressively as the handler struggled to maintain control.

The handler could not control the dog, and the dog broke free and charged at the officer. Based on preliminary information, the dog may have slipped from its collar.

The officer gave repeated commands for the handler to regain control of the dog and began running and walking backward to create distance.

The dog continued advancing toward the officer as the handler tried to regain control, but she was unsuccessful. Other officers, hearing the commands, rushed in to help.

At that point, the dog turned and charged toward the first officer who had initially been bitten.

The officer discharged his firearm, striking the dog.

After the shooting, the dog’s owner ran toward officers and the dog.

Officers temporarily detained her for safety and the preservation of evidence.

The dog was critically injured. Salt Lake County Animal Services later euthanized the dog.

After the scene was processed and evidence collected, SLCPD officers and Salt Lake County Animal Services provided the dog’s owner an opportunity for a private moment to be with her dog.

SLCPD officers and Salt Lake County Animal Services returned some of the dog’s property to the owner and provided her with information about how to retrieve the dog’s remains at a later time.

SLCPD officers then drove the dog’s owner to her apartment.

The injured officer was evaluated at the hospital for injuries described as non-life threatening.

No arrests or citations were issued. Officers identified those criminally trespassing and gave verbal warnings.

Due to the public interest in this case, the Salt Lake City Police Department is releasing officer body-worn camera footage and video from the store.

A link of the three clips can be obtained by clicking here.

Note: The total video time is 7:42. The three clips are separated by a moment of black screen with the SLCPD logo in the upper-right corner.

Statement from Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd:

“This is a difficult situation for everyone involved. I understand how people deeply care for their animals, and I recognize the pain this dog’s owner and those who knew this dog are experiencing. At the same time, our officers were faced with a dangerous and rapidly evolving situation. The officers were forced to make a difficult, split-second decision to protect themselves. None of our officers ever want to be placed in these types of situations but our priority will always be the safety of our officers and community.”

The information contained in this news release is based on a preliminary review of the details available to the Salt Lake City Police Department. As the investigation progresses, information may change.

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