Police Officer Shot By Fellow Officer In Botched 911 Response


Police officers responding to a 911 call regarding a burglary last night were surprised to find they had entered the wrong home. Unfortunately, one police officer was badly wounded, the homeowner sustained injuries, and the family dog was killed.

This tragic error reportedly happened due to the vague description given of the home by the 911 caller, according to 11 Alive. The house was described as a one story tan and brick building. Though 11 Alive has asked police for transcript and audio copies of the emergency call, the request has been denied at this time.

When responding to the burglary call, three police officers tried to contact those inside the home, with no success. A screened porch around the back of the house apparently led officers to an unlocked door. This is where they entered the home.

Reports are a bit cloudy regarding the chain of events that led two police officers to open fire on a dog, resulting in a fatal injury, reports Channel 2 Action News. The homeowner sustained a gunshot wound to the leg that was treated at Atlanta Medical Center. He was released following treatment.

Cedric Alexander, Director of DeKalb County Public Safety, spoke to the news station regarding the event.

“It was determined that a dog was shot and killed inside the residence. A DeKalb County officer was shot as well.”

The police officer who was shot in the hip has undergone surgery and is in serious but stable condition. While the police officer was mistakenly believed to have been shot by the homeowner, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation says it is more likely that the police officer was shot accidentally by one of his fellow officers.

The case has been turned over the the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Each police officer involved in the incident has been placed on administrative leave until the investigation by the GBI is complete.

Though this neighborhood has seen its fair share of crime, so far, the investigation has turned up no evidence of criminal activity at this home.

“The GBI will conduct an independent investigation to determine what occurred during the incident. When the investigation is complete it will be turned over to the district attorney for any action the district attorney deems appropriate.”

Alexander has sent well wishes to all those involved.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out the homeowner. And our thoughts and prayers go out to the officer who suffered a severe, critical injury here tonight and lost a lot of blood. We just hope both of them recover well.”

The injured police officer is in stable condition at this time.

[Image via Shutterstock]

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