Last Updated on September 13, 2024 by Dogs Vets
An Iowa police officer, Ethan Bock, is facing significant backlash after being involved in two separate incidents resulting in the deaths of dogs. The first incident occurred on July 13 when Bock allegedly ran over a dog with his police vehicle. The second, more recent incident on August 21, involved Bock fatally shooting a family’s dog, sparking outrage and calls for justice.
July Incident: Dog Run Over by Police Vehicle
On July 13, Officer Ethan Bock was reported to have run over a dog while responding to a call. C’edward Spears, who was walking his dog at the time, claimed he warned Bock about his unleashed dog. According to Spears, Bock acknowledged him but then proceeded to drive over the dog. Bodycam footage obtained by the media shows Bock exiting his vehicle to inspect the lifeless dog.
August Incident: Fatal Shooting of Family Dog
The August 21 incident involved Officer Bock responding to a call about aggressive dogs at large. According to the Davenport Police Department’s release, Bock was backing up from a dog that allegedly exhibited aggressive behavior. The situation escalated, leading Bock to discharge his firearm, resulting in the dog’s death.
Don Hesseltine, the dog’s owner, shared surveillance footage showing Bock shooting his two-year-old Golden Retriever, Myst, in front of his family. The distressing video captures the family’s shock and horror as they witness the shooting. Hesseltine criticized Bock’s actions, stating that Myst was playing peacefully with children before the incident.
Public Outcry and Police Department Response
The shooting incident has ignited a wave of outrage on social media, with many calling for Officer Bock’s dismissal. The Davenport Police Department defended Bock’s actions, stating that they were deemed lawful upon review. They released body cam footage of the incident to support their stance.
In response to the backlash, some Facebook users have criticized Bock’s decision, arguing that he escalated the situation unnecessarily and should have remained in his vehicle longer.
Legal and Community Reactions
Following the incidents, Hesseltine launched a GoFundMe campaign to support his family’s legal fees and counseling. He emphasized that the fight is about standing up against what he perceives as police cruelty and preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What led to the deaths of the two dogs involving Officer Ethan Bock?
Officer Ethan Bock was involved in two separate incidents resulting in the deaths of dogs. On July 13, he allegedly ran over a dog with his police vehicle. On August 21, he fatally shot a family dog named Myst after a call about aggressive dogs.
2. What was the response of the Davenport Police Department to the shooting incident?
The Davenport Police Department released a statement defending Officer Bock’s actions, asserting that they were deemed lawful after a review of the facts. They also released body cam footage of the incident to support their position.
3. How did the community react to the incidents involving Officer Bock?
The community reaction has been one of outrage, especially following the August 21 shooting. Many social media users have called for Officer Bock’s dismissal and criticized his decision to escalate the situation. Don Hesseltine, the owner of the dog shot by Bock, has also initiated a GoFundMe campaign for legal and counseling support.
4. What does the bodycam footage reveal about the incidents?
The bodycam footage from the August 21 incident shows Officer Bock discharging his firearm after the dog allegedly exhibited aggressive behavior. The footage from the July 13 incident, obtained from bodycam footage, shows Bock approaching the lifeless dog after running over it.
5. What steps are being taken by the dog’s owner after the incidents?
Don Hesseltine, the owner of the dog Myst, has organized a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for legal fees and family counseling. He is seeking justice and aims to raise awareness about what he views as police cruelty.
