Charleston, July 26, 2025
News Summary
On July 24, a Charleston police officer shot and killed a dog while serving an arrest warrant for Tobin James Pettiet, accused of shoplifting. The incident occurred as officers attempted to apprehend Pettiet at a homeless encampment when a large, aggressive dog charged at them. The police deemed the use of force justified due to the immediate threat posed by the dog. Pettiet was arrested on felony shoplifting charges related to previous offenses as the investigation continues.
Charleston Police Fatally Shoot Dog While Serving Arrest Warrant for Shoplifting Suspect
On July 24, 2025, a Charleston police officer shot and killed a dog during the process of serving an arrest warrant for 51-year-old Tobin James Pettiet. The warrant was issued following allegations of shoplifting at a Walmart, where Pettiet reportedly stole items including a dog toy, a can of dog food, and personal hygiene products.
The shooting occurred around 4:30 p.m. near the intersection of Radcliffe Place Drive and Bees Ferry Road. Officers were aware of Pettiet’s presence in the area, as he was reportedly staying at a homeless encampment. According to law enforcement, previous information indicated that Pettiet owned an “aggressive dog.”
Responding to the warrant, Officers James Heustess and Anthony Ortiz located Pettiet’s tent and called for him to exit. However, their calls went unanswered. As Heustess pulled back a tarp on the tent, a large, dark-colored mixed-breed dog charged towards the officers aggressively, barking and jumping without a leash. In response to the dog’s aggressive behavior, Ortiz discharged his weapon, resulting in the dog’s death at the scene.
Pettiet emerged from his tent shortly after the shooting occurred. The police have not officially identified the breed of the dog; it was described as large, brown with brindle coloring, and social media evidence suggests it may have resembled a bullmastiff or bully breed mix. Animal control subsequently transported the dog’s body to a veterinary hospital for disposal.
Pettiet was arrested on the shoplifting charge, which was escalated to a felony due to previous convictions that included four prior shoplifting offenses from 2019. The total value of the items stolen from Walmart on July 6 was slightly over $74, which included a variety of products such as a fan, dog food, deodorant, and T-shirts. Despite the serious nature of these charges, Pettiet could not be charged for the initial shoplifting incidents at the time of his recent arrest due to incomplete paperwork.
Following the incident, a Magistrate Judge granted Pettiet a personal recognizance bond on July 25. The police have deemed the use of force against the dog justified, with the Chief of Police, Chito Walker, asserting that the officers faced an immediate threat. The Charleston Police Department’s policies allow for the use of deadly force against animals that pose such a danger. Lt. Anthony Gibson acknowledged that encounters with aggressive dogs are not uncommon for officers responding to similar situations.
The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing, and a request for documentation regarding the use of force has been submitted to the police for review.
Key Details of the Incident
- Date: July 24, 2025
- Location: Radcliffe Place Drive and Bees Ferry Road, Charleston
- Involved Officer(s): James Heustess and Anthony Ortiz
- Suspect: Tobin James Pettiet
- Dog: Large, dark-colored mixed breed, not officially identified
- Charges: Felony shoplifting for Pettiet
- Items Stolen: Total value of $74 from Walmart
Background Information
The incident reflects broader issues related to homelessness and animal ownership in urban areas. Law enforcement officers are trained to handle aggressive animals, but encounters can escalate quickly, making split-second decisions critical for their safety. The consequences of such encounters can be tragic, as seen in this instance.
FAQs
What led to the police shooting the dog?
Officers shot the dog while serving an arrest warrant for Tobin James Pettiet after the dog charged aggressively at them.
What was the rationale behind the use of force against the dog?
The police deemed the shooting justified as the dog posed an immediate threat to the officers involved.
What charges were brought against Tobin James Pettiet?
Pettiet was charged with felony shoplifting, related to prior convictions for the same offense.
What happened to the deceased dog?
Animal control took the dog’s body to a veterinary hospital for disposal following the incident.
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- Post and Courier
- ABC News 4
- WISTV
- Count on 2
- Wikipedia: Police in the United States
- Google Search: Charleston police
- Google Scholar: Police shooting dogs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police
- Google News: Charleston dog shooting
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