Occasionally, dogs with guns shoot people. A tale from gun nutty America that seems improbable though parts of it may be true.
Florida man, 35, told police Saturday that he and his dog were in his truck when the dog kicked a gun that was on the truck's floor. The gun went off, shooting the man in the leg, police said. The man wasn't seriously injured. According to the police report, the man said he was driving along State Road 17 North when the dog kicked the unloaded .380 pistol. The report went on to say that the man was "surprised" to learn not only that the gun was loaded, but also that it was actually a 9mm Beretta semi-automatic handgun, not a .380. Police Commander Mike Carter said police are investigating the incident.
Florida man, 35, told police Saturday that he and his dog were in his truck when the dog kicked a gun that was on the truck's floor. The gun went off, shooting the man in the leg, police said. The man wasn't seriously injured. According to the police report, the man said he was driving along State Road 17 North when the dog kicked the unloaded .380 pistol. The report went on to say that the man was "surprised" to learn not only that the gun was loaded, but also that it was actually a 9mm Beretta semi-automatic handgun, not a .380. Police Commander Mike Carter said police are investigating the incident.
The Dog's Story:
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| Chuck |
It was my first time being questioned by the police. The police commander seemed professional and friendly, but I was kept waiting in a small room by myself for at least as long as it takes to walk twice around the average block. The holdup, apparently, was finding a police dog who could interview me. The first inquiry was conducted by a very large, intimidating police dog named Roger.
Officer Roger entered the interrogation room abruptly and he didn't just sniff around. He wanted me to describe the gun in detail, and whether or not I'd had reason to believe the gun was in fact loaded. A trick question. My best friend, man-person Bob, had himself been very confused on this point when questioned by the police after the incident. Bob said he'd been shot with an unloaded .380 pistol; the policeman and I are looking at the recently fired 9mm Beretta semi-automatic handgun still laying in plain sight on the floor of the truck. I told Officer Roger, that I had no knowledge or expertise with regard to guns, loaded or unloaded. Which is not true, but I didn't like the tough dog routine.
The police commander stepped into the stuffy little room at that point, and motioned to Officer Roger, who was immediately replaced by my new interrogator, Officer Danny.
Officer Danny was sympathetic; said he understood I was in a bit of a tough spot as dogs had neither gun rights nor lawyers. He just wanted to hear my story. I decided to tell the truth.
Chuck's Deposition:
My best friend, man-person Bob and I were in our red truck. I ride shotgun beside Bob. We own a vast array of guns that we keep in a pile in one of our back rooms; we always travel armed because this is Florida. Bob had just grabbed a gun from the top of the pile, dumped it on the floor of the truck, and we set off.
The police commander stepped into the stuffy little room at that point, and motioned to Officer Roger, who was immediately replaced by my new interrogator, Officer Danny.
Officer Danny was sympathetic; said he understood I was in a bit of a tough spot as dogs had neither gun rights nor lawyers. He just wanted to hear my story. I decided to tell the truth.
Chuck's Deposition:
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR HIGHLANDS COUNTY IN AND FOR THE
STATE OF FLORIDA.
Case No. 02-C-04-055271
My best friend, man-person Bob and I were in our red truck. I ride shotgun beside Bob. We own a vast array of guns that we keep in a pile in one of our back rooms; we always travel armed because this is Florida. Bob had just grabbed a gun from the top of the pile, dumped it on the floor of the truck, and we set off.
We were still in town, coming up to a red traffic signal where another truck pulled up beside us. Bob's driving, listening to music and talking to his buddies on his cell phone, so I'm the lookout for any signs of danger. Danger was definitely staring right at me; a Doberman in a bad mood. A Doberman in a bad mood with an AK - 47 practically on his lap.
Bob was oblivious to the threat and headed out to State Road 17 North with Doberman truck following right behind us. Just one more truck carrying an attack dog and assault rifle as far as Bob was concerned. The Doberman's driver was getting ready to pass us.
Of course the Doberman can't actually aim the gun, but most dogs of a certain size know how to whack a loaded gun to make it fire. My only option was to kick our gun first, both to get Bob's attention and to warn off Doberman and driver. I was entirely successful. I do regret shooting Bob, but he wasn't seriously injured so not much harm done.
Pursuant to Notice, the Deposition of Chuck was taken on February 26, 2023 commencing at 10:05 A.M. at the Sebring Police Station, before Officer Danny, police dog and a Notary Public.
Of course the Doberman can't actually aim the gun, but most dogs of a certain size know how to whack a loaded gun to make it fire. My only option was to kick our gun first, both to get Bob's attention and to warn off Doberman and driver. I was entirely successful. I do regret shooting Bob, but he wasn't seriously injured so not much harm done.
Pursuant to Notice, the Deposition of Chuck was taken on February 26, 2023 commencing at 10:05 A.M. at the Sebring Police Station, before Officer Danny, police dog and a Notary Public.
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