News From The Dark
An Ohio community is demanding the termination of a police officer who fatally shot a loose golden retriever in the presence of the grieving family. Officer Elliott Palmer from the Lorain Police Department, near Cleveland, was captured on his own body cam footage shooting the 3-and-a-half-year-old dog, Dixie, on Sunday as she approached him. Following the incident, Palmer has been placed on leave pending an investigation.
The Lorain Police Department confirmed that the incident is currently under investigation but did not provide additional details when contacted by The Post. A rally named “Justice for Dixie” was held outside the department, expressing support for the grieving family and calling for accountability.
Regardless of the situation, they’re dealing with the loss of a family member,” he said. “It hurts to even say that we were involved in that, but with that being said, we can offer our condolences — and we certainly, certainly do.
“I’ve spoken to the family and (am) trying to be a resource for them as the investigative process rolls out”
The shooting occurred when Palmer was patrolling the area and encountered several large dogs. He instructed the owner, Tammie Kern, to control the dogs. While Kern’s daughter attempted to gather the dogs, Dixie playfully approached Palmer, who proceeded to shoot her multiple times. The shocking incident was recorded on the officer’s bodycam.
The footage shows Palmer standing on the street as a different golden retriever approaches him playfully. Palmer attempts to wave the dog away. Soon after, Dixie follows suit, calmly running toward Palmer before he raises his gun and shoots her. Despite attempting to flee, Dixie’s front legs give out, and she falls face-first in the street. Eventually, she manages to drag herself to the curb, where she helplessly lies half on the sidewalk.
Kern can be heard expressing her grief and questioning Palmer’s actions, while he calls for backup as more people gather, demanding answers. Witnesses attest that Dixie posed no threat to the officer and was simply crossing the street when she was shot.
The incident has sparked outrage within the local community, with calls for Palmer’s termination and criminal charges. A MoveOn.org petition and the hashtag #JusticeforDixie have gained traction, highlighting the demand for accountability and justice. Kern and her family plan to file a lawsuit against the police department.
The Lorain Police Department released a statement confirming the use of force on Dixie and assigning the case to the Office of Professional Standards for a thorough investigation. The family seeks not only justice for Dixie but also the assurance that no other innocent lives will be jeopardized by similar actions.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this paraphrased response is based on the given text. The actual events and details of the incident may be subject to further investigation and may change as more information becomes available.
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