On July 1, 2013, Hawthorne police officers responded to a call about a robbery at a nearby gas station. When they arrived, they found a man being arrested for the robbery and a Rottweiler dog named Max in the backseat of the car. The officers asked the dog's owner, Leon Rosby, to put Max in his car so they could continue their investigation.
Max Escapes from Car
Rosby complied with the officers' request, but left his car windows partially rolled down. Max, who was reportedly agitated by the commotion, managed to escape from the car and began barking at the officers.
Officers Shoot Max
The officers, who claim they felt threatened by Max's behavior, shot him four times. Rosby, who was recording the incident with his cell phone, can be heard yelling at the officers as they shoot Max.
Public Outrage
The shooting of Max sparked outrage from animal rights activists and the general public. Many felt that the officers had used excessive force and that there were other ways to handle the situation. Rosby filed a lawsuit against the city of Hawthorne, claiming that his civil rights had been violated.
Police Response
The Hawthorne Police Department defended the officers' actions, stating that they had acted in accordance with their training and that Max had posed a threat to their safety. They also pointed out that Rosby had a history of confrontations with the police and that he had been arrested at the scene for interfering with their investigation.
Civil Trial
Rosby's civil trial against the city of Hawthorne was settled out of court for $333,000. The city did not admit any wrongdoing, but agreed to pay the settlement to avoid further litigation.
Lessons Learned
The shooting of Max serves as a reminder of the importance of proper training for law enforcement officers when dealing with animals. It also highlights the need for better communication between police officers and the public, particularly in situations where emotions may be running high.
Conclusion
The shooting of Max the Rottweiler by Hawthorne police officers sparked public outrage and a civil trial against the city of Hawthorne. While the city did not admit any wrongdoing, the incident serves as a reminder of the need for proper training and communication between law enforcement officers and the public.