SARASOTA, FL – A routine call about an aggressive dog took an unexpected turn in a Sarasota neighborhood when a police officer’s weapon, intended to subdue the animal, injured a bystander instead. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is now investigating the incident, which unfolded on North Lynx Avenue earlier today.
Authorities arrived at the property in response to a complaint about a dog behaving aggressively. The property owner had been informed that animal control was on its way to quarantine her dog following a neighbor’s report that it had surrounded and bitten them. Accompanying the owner was her friend, Shauna Duvall, who had her own dog with her.
As officers attempted to manage the situation, the Sarasota Police Department reported that Duvall’s dog, identified as a pit bull, exhibited aggressive behavior. In response, an officer discharged his firearm, intending to neutralize the threat posed by the dog. However, the shot inadvertently struck Duvall.
Duvall recounted the moment, saying that amidst the chaos, she initially thought she had been scratched by one of the dogs. It wasn’t until the adrenaline subsided that she realized she had been grazed by the bullet. An ambulance was called to the scene, but Duvall declined immediate medical treatment, opting to visit the hospital later on her own.
Fortunately, Duvall’s injuries were not severe, and her dog was unharmed. Reflecting on the incident, she expressed relief that the situation had not escalated further.
A check of Sarasota County court records revealed that the property owner has a history of citations related to animal welfare, including charges of animal cruelty and improper tethering of dogs. These past issues add a layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation by law enforcement.
As the Florida Department of Law Enforcement continues to gather evidence and speak with those involved, the incident raises questions about the procedures in place for handling aggressive animals and the potential risks to bystanders during such interventions.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are expected to provide updates as more information becomes available.