Crime & Safety
Sheriff's Deputy Fires Gun at Dog in IB
Sammy, a 10-year-old golden retriever-collie mix, was grazed by a bullet fired by Deputy Morgan Webb on June 1 when he tried to enter a local man's property.
A dog was shot at after he charged a deputy two weeks ago around 7:30 p.m. at a 10th Street home, according to Imperial Beach Sheriff's Station Capt. David Myers.
Deputy Morgan Webb was attempting to do a follow-up with resident Alan Cunniff, 47, regarding an accident the day before.
According to a report filed after the incident, Webb made several attempts to get Cunniff’s attention by whistling and calling out before entering the fence that lined the property. Cunniff said he never heard the deputy.
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Upon entering the fence and moving to the side door, Webb saw the dog. He extended his hands and began backing up, yelling for the dog to stop, said Myers.
The dog was still charging when the deputy discharged his weapon once. A bullet grazed the dog’s backside.
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Cunniff was inside at the time and came out when he heard the shot. He reportedly found a bullet shell approximately five feet away from the gate following the incident.
Cunniff, owner of the 10-year-old golden retriever-collie mix named Sammy, said his dog has never bitten anyone. While he does have a loud bark and, at 80 pounds, can be intimidating, Cunniff said he has never seen his dog lunge at anyone.
“He’s a good-hearted dog,” Cunniff said.
Initially, Myers said Cunniff did not see an injury. Webb asked to take a look, but Sammy was agitated and was, instead, inspected by Cunniff, Myers said.
Later, Cunniff identified an injury and called the Sheriff's Department. Myers said Cunniff spoke with a veterinarian who told him it was not imperative to bring the dog in immediately due to the nature of the injury.
“It wasn’t life-threatening, but he’s pretty bummed out,” Cunniff said about Sammy, who is wearing a cone until the injury heals.
“I don’t think the officer had any mal intent—it was a combination of bad circumstances and bad judgment.”
Cunniff paid a $140 veterinary bill.
Myers said discharging a weapon is not the first line of defense for deputies.
Webb was following up on an accident that occurred the previous day, May 31, around 4:30 p.m. when Cunniff ran into a Circle K with his truck. Cunniff was unconscious behind the wheel of the truck when deputies arrived, Myers said.
