Detroit police shoot and kill suspect's dog in witness video

DETROIT (FOX 2) - Video of Detroit police shooting a dog has been making the rounds on social media. Now an investigation is underway, as witnesses say the shooting was unnecessary and put lives at risk.

"That could ricochet off the ground and hit a kid," said Richard Ravens. "There are so many kids around here. That's what I was worried about, the kids."

It happened Tuesday evening after police responded to a call of a burglary on the 8500 block of Pierson on Detroit's west side.

A witness video shows a man banging on an acquaintance’s door. Someone else inside called 911. While on the way, police learned the man had a warrant for his arrest.

"The officers, when they got on scene, they informed him that he was going to be placed in custody for his two felony warrants," said Cmdr. Arnold Williams. "He proceeded to walk away from officers. The officers did attempt to deploy Tasers twice and it appears one may have taken effect."

Cmdr. Arnold Williams says that's when the man, who was walking the dog, let go of the leash.

"From the officer's body-worn camera it shows the dog barking at the officer, presenting aggressively, coming towards the officer and the officer firing shots at the dog as it's coming towards him," Williams said.

Williams says officers did everything in their power to avoid shooting the dog. He says they spent 20 minutes pleading with the man to secure it.

"They're literally asking him to tie the dog to trees, to put the dog - I think the term they used was off - put the dog off. The officers did not want to do anything with the dog," Williams said. "They did not want to harm that dog, but it was not until the dog presented aggressively that they had to take action."

And that man was arrested after the dog was shot and killed. He was taken into custody for two felony warrants, aggravated assault and domestic violence.

Detroit police is investigating the case.