Family Files Lawsuit Over Dog Shooting

A Colorado couple has filed a civil lawsuit in federal court after a Commerce City officer arrived at their home to investigate a hang-up 911 call, and fatally shot their dog. The officer said she feared for her life as the 35-pound, mixed-breed dog and two other dogs approached her in the front yard. Officer Suzanne Barber fired a single shot, striking the dog. But residents Julia and Frank Agazio say the dog was not aggressive. The lawsuit was filed against the police department, Barber and the Adams County (ADCOM) communications center. It asks for at least $150,000 in damages for each of 10 counts alleged. The lawsuit admits that Frank Agazio accidentally dialed 911 and that he told an ADCOM dispatcher who called back that there was no problem at the house. “Nevertheless, Dispatch still decided to send an officer to investigate and did not inform the Agazios that a police officer would be en route,” states the lawsuit. None of the arriving officers ever checked the house in response to the 911 call, the lawsuit also claims. Download (pdf) a copy of the lawsuit here.