No charges for deputy US marshal who shot dog - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

A deputy US marshal who shot a neighbor's dog will not face charges, Fishers Police say.

Police were called to the Deer Brook Apartments at Allisonville and Eller Roads just before midnight on Feb. 26 after a resident said he had just shot a dog.

The man, who identified himself as a deputy US marshal, said a barking dog charged at him from behind a bush and tried to bite him. The man tried to get away but the dog pursued him. That's when he drew his handgun and shot the animal in the leg, forcing it to retreat.

Officers found the dog's owners along with the injured animal in a nearby apartment. One of the women said she was getting ready to take the dog outside when it ran out of the apartment. She said the dog was on a retractable leash but got loose when it ran around a corner. She heard the dog barking and then two gun shots. The dog returned with a gunshot wound.

Officers helped the women take the dog to a local animal hospital. The dog was treated and is expected to recover.

The man who shot the dog will not face charges after police determined he fired in self-defense and that his actions did not rise to the level of a criminal act.