Austin PD cop, dead dogs, and facebook fury

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**AustonT**

Cop shows up at house, draws gun or gun drawn, and shoots dog. Department defends shooting, but doesn't explain why a citizen is held at gunpoint for no apparent reason. Guy is pissed about his dog, I'm pissed about cops displaying the intent to use deadly force before making contact of any kind, you know like, "Hello, I'm offficer gak with AustinPD."

http://www.statesman.com/news/local/facebook-furor-erupts-after-austin-police-officer-shoots-2309245.html

Reports of an Austin police officer shooting a dog while responding to the wrong address on a domestic disturbance call have gone viral, thanks to Facebook.

Austin officials, who have apologized to the dog's owner, said Monday that the officer was defending himself. But a Facebook page titled Justice For Cisco had more than 26,000 "likes" as of Monday evening.

Created by Michael Paxton, the page said an Austin police officer came to Paxton's home in the 2600 block of East Fifth Street at 4:42 p.m. Saturday as Paxton was playing Frisbee in the yard with his blue heeler, Cisco. Paxton went to grab something from his truck, when the officer drew his gun and told him to freeze, the Web page said. Cisco then ran at the officer, who fatally shot the dog.

Paxton did not immediately return emails for comment Monday. Attempts to reach him at home and by phone were unsuccessful.

At an afternoon news conference attended by nearly 20 local media representatives, Sgt. David Daniels said that the officer, Thomas Griffin, was dispatched to handle a disturbance involving an intoxicated couple at the address of Paxton's triplex. Griffin saw Paxton, drew his weapon and told him, "Show me your hands," Daniels said.

"As soon as he did that," Daniels said, "a dog charged him quickly and aggressively."

Daniels said Griffin was upset about the incident but Griffin was "basically in retreat when he fired."

An Austin Police Department supervisor later apologized to Paxton, Griffin said.

Neither Griffin nor Paxton were hurt in the incident. It was unclear Monday whether an investigation into the shooting was ongoing.

Paxton's Facebook page has received comments from as far away as Australia.

**Ahtman**

Was the dog wearing a hoodie?

**Krellnus**

I don't even know what to say, other than he should probably lose his job, how can AustinPD beleive an apology will make it all better, its not like the cop has accidentally been pushed over, you shot his fething dog!

**AustonT**

Ahtman wrote:Was the dog wearing a hoodie?

Possibly

couldnt find a good pic of a heeler in a hoodie and the one I found on flicker contained inappropriate racial slurs.

**sirlynchmob**

Krellnus wrote:I don't even know what to say, other than he should probably lose his job, how can AustinPD beleive an apology will make it all better, its not like the cop has accidentally been pushed over, you shot his fething dog!

the guy should have had his dog on a leash.

**Chowderhead**

sirlynchmob wrote:
Krellnus wrote:I don't even know what to say, other than he should probably lose his job, how can AustinPD beleive an apology will make it all better, its not like the cop has accidentally been pushed over, you shot his fething dog!

the guy should have had his dog on a leash.

Twas on his private property.

Also, the dog could just be looking for attention. You know, like most dogs.

He should be penalized. Perhaps no bonus this year, or some vacation days cut. He should not be fired.

**Dark**

Normally, and talkin' with my family, I'd just say "burn that cop", but I'd just penalize it, maybe a 3 month's suspension without payment.

**sirlynchmob**

Chowderhead wrote:
sirlynchmob wrote:
Krellnus wrote:I don't even know what to say, other than he should probably lose his job, how can AustinPD beleive an apology will make it all better, its not like the cop has accidentally been pushed over, you shot his fething dog!

the guy should have had his dog on a leash.
Twas on his private property.

Also, the dog could just be looking for attention. You know, like most dogs.

He should be penalized. Perhaps no bonus this year, or some vacation days cut. He should not be fired.

it was a triplex, to me that's 3 houses joined together with a common yard. If his dog likes running up on people the owner should have it on a leash so it doesn't scare people that may walk by.

The cop shouldn't get penalized for this, the owner should get a ticket for not having his dog on a leash.

Depending on the 911 call, the cop might have had good cause to go there with his gun ready.

**Albatross**

As both a dog-lover and brutal authoritarian, I have mixed feelings about this story.

**Samus_aran115**

Frazzled beat me to it, but was the dog eating Skittles and drinking an Arizona?

**Albatross**

Was the dog African-American?

**Chowderhead**

sirlynchmob wrote:
Chowderhead wrote:
sirlynchmob wrote:
Krellnus wrote:I don't even know what to say, other than he should probably lose his job, how can AustinPD beleive an apology will make it all better, its not like the cop has accidentally been pushed over, you shot his fething dog!

the guy should have had his dog on a leash.
Twas on his private property.

Also, the dog could just be looking for attention. You know, like most dogs.

He should be penalized. Perhaps no bonus this year, or some vacation days cut. He should not be fired.

it was a triplex, to me that's 3 houses joined together with a common yard. If his dog likes running up on people the owner should have it on a leash so it doesn't scare people that may walk by.

The cop shouldn't get penalized for this, the owner should get a ticket for not having his dog on a leash.

Depending on the 911 call, the cop might have had good cause to go there with his gun ready.

The cop went to the wrong house to respond to the 911 call. He showed up, a 50 cm dog ran at him after the officer saw him playing frisbee with his owner, and the cop shot the dog, and scared the gak out the man.

Also, he shouldn't get a ticket for having his dog off a leash on private property.

Cop shot a dog who he didn't need to shoot. Simple as that.

**MrDwhitey**

Frankly, I feel the dog owner should be charged for the policemans time.

And the bullets.

**sirlynchmob**

Chowderhead wrote:
sirlynchmob wrote:
Chowderhead wrote:
sirlynchmob wrote:
Krellnus wrote:I don't even know what to say, other than he should probably lose his job, how can AustinPD beleive an apology will make it all better, its not like the cop has accidentally been pushed over, you shot his fething dog!

the guy should have had his dog on a leash.
Twas on his private property.

Also, the dog could just be looking for attention. You know, like most dogs.

He should be penalized. Perhaps no bonus this year, or some vacation days cut. He should not be fired.

it was a triplex, to me that's 3 houses joined together with a common yard. If his dog likes running up on people the owner should have it on a leash so it doesn't scare people that may walk by.

The cop shouldn't get penalized for this, the owner should get a ticket for not having his dog on a leash.

Depending on the 911 call, the cop might have had good cause to go there with his gun ready.

The cop went to the wrong house to respond to the 911 call. He showed up, a 50 cm dog ran at him after the officer saw him playing frisbee with his owner, and the cop shot the dog, and scared the gak out the man.

Also, he shouldn't get a ticket for having his dog off a leash on private property.

Cop shot a dog who he didn't need to shoot. Simple as that.

dog needed shooting, its not some poodle, they get up to 35 lbs. no where in the reports does it say the cop saw the dog playing frisbee. Cop got sent to this house responding to a drunken domestic violence situation. see's a man getting into his truck, where most texans keep their guns. Dog comes charging at him, in that situation shoot the dog.

http://www.kvue.com/home/Public-outrage-building-up-over-Austin-Police-Officer-who-fatally-shot-a-dog-147681755.html
"In audio captured on Officer Griffin’s dashboard camera, you can hear the officer give Paxton commands to put his hands up and to control his dog. Austin police removed a few seconds of the tape where Griffin fatally shoots the dog."

**Chowderhead**

He came out of his car with his goddamn gun drawn. He went to the wrong adress. I can see no possible way that the man had enough time to grab his fast dog before it got to the officer. To put it bluntly, The officer went in with the intent to stop a violent crime with possible violence, and he shot a innocent dog instead.

Also, in the OP, it says that they were playing Frisbee.

**AustonT**

sirlynchmob wrote:

dog needed shooting, its not some poodle, they get up to 35 lbs. no where in the reports does it say the cop saw the dog playing frisbee. Cop got sent to this house responding to a drunken domestic violence situation. see's a man getting into his truck, where most texans keep their guns. Dog comes charging at him, in that situation shoot the dog.

http://www.kvue.com/home/Public-outrage-building-up-over-Austin-Police-Officer-who-fatally-shot-a-dog-147681755.html
"In audio captured on Officer Griffin’s dashboard camera, you can hear the officer give Paxton commands to put his hands up and to control his dog. Austin police removed a few seconds of the tape where Griffin fatally shoots the dog."

Shut up and answer my questions. You don't see the contradiction there, or the lack of introduction.
They probably removed the part where he yells "don't hurt my dog he just wants to play."

**Chowderhead**

In the audio that wasn't removed, he did say that he said that he told the officer that his dog wanted to play.

**Hazardous Harry**

MrDwhitey wrote:Frankly, I feel the dog owner should be charged for the policemans time.

And the bullets.

This is a terrible attempt at trolling. Please try harder in the future, Dakka appreciates nothing if not effort.

**sirlynchmob**

Chowderhead wrote:He came out of his car with his goddamn gun drawn. He went to the wrong adress. I can see no possible way that the man had enough time to grab his fast dog before it got to the officer. To put it bluntly, The officer went in with the intent to stop a violent crime with possible violence, and he shot a innocent dog instead.

Also, in the OP, it says that they were playing Frisbee.

He didn't know it was the wrong address. He thought he was at the correct address. the link I posted had the video from his car, he did not walk up on the dog playing frisbee. That's what the owner said they were doing prior to the cop arriving.

But put yourself in the cops shoes, as you point out he went to stop a violent crime, hence his gun was drawn. You see this dog charging at you barking while the owner is looking in the truck for something. what do you do?

Its always easy to play monday morning quarterback but I can't fault the cop in that situation for shooting the dog.

**Chowderhead**

Hazardous Harry wrote:
MrDwhitey wrote:Frankly, I feel the dog owner should be charged for the policemans time.

And the bullets.

This is a terrible attempt at trolling. Please try harder in the future, Dakka appreciates nothing if not effort.

Dwhitey, Harry. Harry, Dwhitey.

Dwhitey is one of the bigger funnymen on Dakka. He's never serious.

Don't worry, Harry. He's just an donkey-cave.

**Necroshea**

Hmmmm, well this is how I see it.

There had been no issues (at least that have been brought up so far) regarding the dog in question. No late night barking, no terrorizing the mail man, nada. Cop rolls up, rushes in, and when the dog investigates he get a face full of lead for his troubles. Also, this wouldn't have happened had the cop gone to the correct place.

I'm in favor of the dog owner than I am the cop. Cops make mistakes and cover them up frequently.

As for punishment I don't know. He seems a little trigger happy. Psyche evaluation and 6 months suspension without pay.

**MrDwhitey**

Frankly, I find it hard to believe based on what we have that sirlynchmob isn't trolling.

Sorta how I feel when I read generalgrogs posts, I just can't believe they're serious, yo.

**sirlynchmob**

MrDwhitey wrote:Frankly, I find it hard to believe based on what we have that sirlynchmob isn't trolling.

Sorta how I feel when I read generalgrogs posts, I just can't believe they're serious, yo.

nope, I'm not trolling, I think the cop did the right thing.

**Frazzled**

Chowderhead wrote:
sirlynchmob wrote:
Krellnus wrote:I don't even know what to say, other than he should probably lose his job, how can AustinPD beleive an apology will make it all better, its not like the cop has accidentally been pushed over, you shot his fething dog!

the guy should have had his dog on a leash.
Twas on his private property.

Also, the dog could just be looking for attention. You know, like most dogs.

He should be penalized. Perhaps no bonus this year, or some vacation days cut. He should not be fired.

A sad day. There would have been gunplay on the Frazzled homestead.

Automatically Appended Next Post:

MrDwhitey wrote:Frankly, I feel the dog owner should be charged for the policemans time.

And the bullets.

What I think of you and your statement would get me banned.

Automatically Appended Next Post:

sirlynchmob wrote:
Chowderhead wrote:He came out of his car with his goddamn gun drawn. He went to the wrong adress. I can see no possible way that the man had enough time to grab his fast dog before it got to the officer. To put it bluntly, The officer went in with the intent to stop a violent crime with possible violence, and he shot a innocent dog instead.

Also, in the OP, it says that they were playing Frisbee.

He didn't know it was the wrong address. He thought he was at the correct address. the link I posted had the video from his car, he did not walk up on the dog playing frisbee. That's what the owner said they were doing prior to the cop arriving.

But put yourself in the cops shoes, as you point out he went to stop a violent crime, hence his gun was drawn. You see this dog charging at you barking while the owner is looking in the truck for something. what do you do?

Its always easy to play monday morning quarterback but I can't fault the cop in that situation for shooting the dog.

I'll put myself in his boss's shoes. i don't want a gun crazy loser mouthbreather as a cop.

**dogma**

sirlynchmob wrote:
dog needed shooting, its not some poodle, they get up to 35 lbs.

Standard Poodles can weigh up to 75-80 pounds, and are much more dangerous than any Heeler.

sirlynchmob wrote:
But put yourself in the cops shoes, as you point out he went to stop a violent crime, hence his gun was drawn.

Still stupid. Going in with your gun drawn is just as likely to escalate as calm the situation. This wasn't a SWAT team on a raid, it was a beat cop responding to a routine incident in which his best protection is the uniform he's wearing.

Frazzled wrote:
I'll put myself in his boss's shoes. i don't want a gun crazy loser mouthbreather as a cop.

Yep.

I wouldn't fire him on the spot, but he would definitely find himself under great scrutiny that may lead to his firing.

**Chowderhead**

sirlynchmob wrote:
Chowderhead wrote:He came out of his car with his goddamn gun drawn. He went to the wrong adress. I can see no possible way that the man had enough time to grab his fast dog before it got to the officer. To put it bluntly, The officer went in with the intent to stop a violent crime with possible violence, and he shot a innocent dog instead.

Also, in the OP, it says that they were playing Frisbee.

He didn't know it was the wrong address. He thought he was at the correct address.

That's a problem right there.

the link I posted had the video from his car, he did not walk up on the dog playing frisbee. That's what the owner said they were doing prior to the cop arriving.

Yes, because you can definitely "see" Via audio Recording.

Show me where exactly the dog is. Oh wait, you can't. So everything we're saying is heresay.

But put yourself in the cops shoes, as you point out he went to stop a violent crime, hence his gun was drawn. You see this dog charging at you barking while the owner is looking in the truck for something. what do you do?

Well, draw my tazer and stun the dog. Duh. It's not like I had to shoot a small dog. OH WAIT.

Its always easy to play monday morning quarterback but I can't fault the cop in that situation for shooting the dog.

Speaking into a mirror, I see.

**Frazzled**

dogma wrote:
sirlynchmob wrote:
dog needed shooting, its not some poodle, they get up to 35 lbs.

Standard Poodles can weigh up to 75-80 pounds, and are much more dangerous than any Heeler.

sirlynchmob wrote:
But put yourself in the cops shoes, as you point out he went to stop a violent crime, hence his gun was drawn.

Still stupid. Going in with your gun drawn is just as likely to escalate as calm the situation. This wasn't a SWAT team on a raid, it was a beat cop responding to a routine incident in which his best protection is the uniform he's wearing.

Frazzled wrote:
I'll put myself in his boss's shoes. i don't want a gun crazy loser mouthbreather as a cop.

Yep.

I wouldn't fire him on the spot, but he would definitely find himself under great scrutiny that may lead to his firing.

We often disagree, but Dogma has the way of it.

Why is a cop drawing a gun on the first person he sees? Where did they get this guy, Rambo Academy?

**sirlynchmob**

dogma wrote:
sirlynchmob wrote:
dog needed shooting, its not some poodle, they get up to 35 lbs.

Standard Poodles can weigh up to 75-80 pounds, and are much more dangerous than any Heeler.

sirlynchmob wrote:
But put yourself in the cops shoes, as you point out he went to stop a violent crime, hence his gun was drawn.

Still stupid. Going in with your gun drawn is just as likely to escalate as calm the situation. This wasn't a SWAT team on a raid, it was a beat cop responding to a routine incident in which his best protection is the uniform he's wearing.

Frazzled wrote:
I'll put myself in his boss's shoes. i don't want a gun crazy loser mouthbreather as a cop.

Yep.

I wouldn't fire him on the spot, but he would definitely find himself under great scrutiny that may lead to his firing.

Routine nothing. ask any cop the worst calls to respond to and they'll tell you domestic violence calls. its not just the one being violent to the spouse you have to worry about, cops have been stabbed in the back by the "victim" during those situations.

regardless though, when a cop tells you to put your hands up and control your dog, you better control your dog. the cop didn't go there with his gun drawn he drew his gun "Paxton went to grab something from his truck, when the officer drew his gun and told him to freeze, the Web page said. Cisco then ran at the officer, who fatally shot the dog. "

**Chowderhead**

sirlynchmob wrote:
dogma wrote:
sirlynchmob wrote:
dog needed shooting, its not some poodle, they get up to 35 lbs.

Standard Poodles can weigh up to 75-80 pounds, and are much more dangerous than any Heeler.

sirlynchmob wrote:
But put yourself in the cops shoes, as you point out he went to stop a violent crime, hence his gun was drawn.

Still stupid. Going in with your gun drawn is just as likely to escalate as calm the situation. This wasn't a SWAT team on a raid, it was a beat cop responding to a routine incident in which his best protection is the uniform he's wearing.

Frazzled wrote:
I'll put myself in his boss's shoes. i don't want a gun crazy loser mouthbreather as a cop.

Yep.

I wouldn't fire him on the spot, but he would definitely find himself under great scrutiny that may lead to his firing.

Routine nothing. ask any cop the worst calls to respond to and they'll tell you domestic violence calls. its not just the one being violent to the spouse you have to worry about, cops have been stabbed in the back by the "victim" during those situations.

regardless though, when a cop tells you to put your hands up and control your dog, you better control your dog. the cop didn't go there with his gun drawn he drew his gun "Paxton went to grab something from his truck, when the officer drew his gun and told him to freeze, the Web page said. Cisco then ran at the officer, who fatally shot the dog. "

I think I have an image for my emotions right now...

Ah yes. Here it is.

Spoiler:

I'm going to bow out and head to bed, as I don't want to get into trouble when I snap and start going all Phryxis up in here.

**dogma**

sirlynchmob wrote:
Routine nothing. ask any cop the worst calls to respond to and they'll tell you domestic violence calls. its not just the one being violent to the spouse you have to worry about, cops have been stabbed in the back by the "victim" during those situations.

Of course it was routine, being difficult doesn't make it not routine. This wasn't some kind of specially planned operation, as is the case with things like SWAT, and stings, it was an average cop (hopefully below average) that responded to a call.

And drawing your gun in that situation isn't going to protect you. Anyone that's sufficiently irrational to stab a person external to the dispute, who is also wearing a police uniform, is probably not going to be deterred by a gun. Indeed, they may well feel threatened enough to be more aggressive.

sirlynchmob wrote:
regardless though, when a cop tells you to put your hands up and control your dog, you better control your dog. the cop didn't go there with his gun drawn he drew his gun "Paxton went to grab something from his truck, when the officer drew his gun and told him to freeze, the Web page said. Cisco then ran at the officer, who fatally shot the dog. "

How does one control one's dog with his hands in the air?

Either way, I don't place any faith in the cop's word. Police departments have a long history of covering up the errors of their employees.

I'm also wondering why there was only 1 cop.