Little Rock, Arkansas – A Little Rock police officer fatally shot a black Labrador retriever during an incident on July 19 after police said the dog ran toward the officer and acted aggressively.

Police responded to a disturbance at Hill Station on Kavanaugh Boulevard that resulted in the arrest of 34-year-old Thomas Schmidt and the death of his dog.

According to police, restaurant staff reported that Schmidt was drinking alcohol and becoming increasingly aggressive toward others. Witnesses said Schmidt refused to leave the restaurant, damaged a door, and later drove away.

Officers were later called to a separate location on Country Club Boulevard regarding a battery call. When officers arrived, Schmidt was seen exiting a home with the dog.

According to the released footage, the dog ran toward the officer while barking and growling. The officer repeatedly ordered Schmidt to get control of the animal. When Schmidt was unable to do so, the officer fired a single shot, killing the dog.

The Little Rock Police Department stated that it “recognize[s] the emotional impact of this outcome and acknowledge[s] the loss of the animal’s life.”

Schmidt was later arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, attempt to influence a public servant, and second-degree terroristic threatening.

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