Update: Investigations Continue after Officer Shoots Dog that Bit Two Park Visitors

Mason Police District – Our criminal and internal administrative investigations continue after an officer deployed deadly force on a loose dog that bit two visitors at Green Spring Gardens. Officers initially responded to 4601 Green Spring Road for a report of two dogs running loose. Officers located the dogs and attempted to contain them. One of the dogs, a German Shepherd, advanced aggressively toward Police Officer First Class Yousuf Ashraf who fired a single round, striking the dog in its leg. The German Shepherd’s injuries were believed to be non-life threatening. Its owner elected to have the dog euthanized.

When the criminal investigation is completed, the findings will be presented to the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County. The Independent Police Auditor continues to monitor the ongoing investigations, and will conduct an independent review when they are completed.

(Original release date: June 25, 2019)

Officer Shoots Dog in County Park after It Bites Two Visitors

Mason Police District – An officer deployed deadly force against a dog around 12:30 this afternoon.  Officers initially responded to Green Spring Gardens located at 4601 Green Spring Road for a report of two dogs running loose. One of the dogs, a white German Shepherd, was reported to have bitten two park visitors prior to officers’ arrival. Officers located the dogs and attempted to contain them. The German Shepherd advanced aggressively toward an officer who fired one round striking the dog in its leg. The dog ran off and ultimately returned home. The German Shepherd was then taken to a local veterinary hospital with what was believed to be a non-life threatening injury. The owner elected to have the dog euthanized.

A criminal investigation is underway of all aspects of this event.

The involved officer is a 13-year veteran of the Fairfax County Police Department and is assigned to the Mason District Station. The officer has been cross-trained to supplement the Animal Protection Police.

Chief Edwin C. Roessler Jr. has directed our Internal Affairs Bureau to conduct an administrative investigation in accordance with policy, along with an independent review by the Police Auditor. The name of the officer will be released by Chief Roessler within 10 days.