Charleston, July 25, 2025
News Summary
Tobin James Pettiet, a 51-year-old man from Charleston, was arrested when police served a warrant for shoplifting. During the incident, his unleashed dog aggressively charged at the officers, resulting in the animal being shot and killed to protect the responding officers. The incident raised concerns regarding responsible pet ownership, and an investigation is currently underway by the Charleston police.
Charleston Man Arrested After Dog Shot by Police During Warrant Service
A 51-year-old man named Tobin James Pettiet from Charleston was apprehended on Thursday following a troubling incident where his dog was shot by police. The event unfolded when Charleston police arrived at the intersection of Radcliffe Place Drive and Bees Ferry Road to execute an active arrest warrant linked to shoplifting.
Upon approaching Pettiet, officers were confronted by a large, unleashed mixed-breed dog that charged at them aggressively from a nearby tent. In an effort to protect themselves, one of the officers attempted to retreat, but the dog continued its aggressive advances. Faced with what they perceived as an impending threat, the officers used their firearms to shoot the animal.
The dog, owned by Pettiet, died at the scene. Following the shooting, animal control officers were dispatched to the location and transported the deceased dog to a local veterinary hospital for humane aftercare. Remarkably, there were no injuries reported among the officers involved in the incident.
Charleston Police Chief Chito Walker addressed the situation, noting that officers are trained to react quickly in circumstances where their safety or the safety of others is at risk. He highlighted the importance of responsible pet ownership, urging pet owners to take necessary precautions to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The event has prompted an ongoing investigation by the Charleston police, as they review the circumstances surrounding both the shooting and the warrant execution.
Details of the Incident
- Name of arrested man: Tobin James Pettiet
- Age: 51
- Location: Radcliffe Place Drive and Bees Ferry Road, Charleston
- Incident: Dog shot while serving arrest warrant
- Type of dog: Large, mixed-breed, unleashed
- Outcome for dog: Died at the scene
- Response: Animal Control transported the dog for humane aftercare
- Injuries: None reported for police officers
- Current Status: Incident under investigation by Charleston police
Background Information
Police officers in Charleston are trained to deal with a variety of situations, including encounters with aggressive animals. In this case, the decision to use lethal force was made in the heat of the moment, with the intent of safeguarding the responding officers. The incident serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that pet owners have in ensuring their animals are secured, especially when police operations are taking place in the vicinity.
FAQ Section
What led to the police arriving at the location?
Charleston police arrived to serve an active arrest warrant for shoplifting against Tobin James Pettiet.
What happened to the dog during the incident?
The dog, aggressive and unleashed, charged at the officers, leading one of them to shoot the animal, which ultimately died at the scene.
Is Tobin James Pettiet facing any charges?
Yes, he was arrested for the outstanding shoplifting warrant during the incident.
Was there any impact on the police officers during the event?
No injuries were reported among the police officers involved in the incident.
What measures is the Charleston police taking regarding the incident?
The incident is under investigation by Charleston police.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Arrested Individual | Tobin James Pettiet, 51 years old |
| Location | Radcliffe Place Drive and Bees Ferry Road, Charleston |
| Reason for Police Presence | Serving an active warrant for shoplifting |
| Dog’s Behavior | Aggressively charged at officers |
| Outcome for Dog | Shot and killed by police |
| Injuries | No injuries reported among police |
| Ongoing Investigation | The incident is under investigation by Charleston police |
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Additional Resources
- ABC News 4: Charleston Man Arrested After Dog Shot by Police
- Count On 2: Goose Creek Man Arrested for Holding Children at Gunpoint
- SC Daily Gazette: After Record Number of SC Police Dogs Killed
- Google Search: Charleston dog shooting
- Count On 2: Victim of Summerville Subdivision Shooting Identified
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dogs in Police Work
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
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