Richmond County Sheriff’s Office reviews video showing patrol vehicle hitting dog

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Richmond County Sheriff’s Office said it has reviewed an incident shown in a social media video that shows one of its patrol vehicles striking a dog.

In a statement, the sheriff’s office said it opened a review immediately after learning of the video and identified the deputy involved. Investigators determined the deputy was en route to a traffic accident when a dog entered the roadway and walked into the patrol vehicle’s path, officials said.

According to the sheriff’s office, the deputy was unaware that the vehicle had struck the dog and did not stop.

As part of the review, the sheriff’s office examined the patrol vehicle’s GPS data and said it confirmed the deputy was not exceeding the posted speed limit at the time of the incident.

The sheriff’s office noted that Georgia law places responsibility on dog owners or custodians to maintain control of their animals when they are off the owner’s property. Owners or custodians may be held civilly liable for damages caused by a dog while it is off their property, the statement said.

Officials said the review found no evidence of criminal misconduct or policy violations by the deputy, concluding the deputy was responding to a call for service, driving within the posted speed limit, and was unaware the dog had been struck.

The sheriff’s office said it understands community concerns and noted pets are valued members of many families and that the agency is committed to reviewing incidents involving its personnel “thoroughly and objectively.”