BELL COUNTY, Texas — A Bell County Sherriff's Department deputy responded to a call at a mobile home in Killeen on April 21 after Texas Child Protective Services called for assistance.
According to the Sheriff's Department, when the deputy arrived a pitbull was on a leash outside the home. The call was in the 500 block of Bear Branch Road.
In body cam footage released by the Sherriff's Department, the deputy can be seen attempting to assist the CPS worker in walking around the barking dog and to a resident through an open door.
"The tethered leash failed and the dog charged the deputy," Chief Deputy TJ Cruz said. "The deputy quickly upholstered his service weapon and fired a single round at the dog to protect himself, the other deputy and the CPS worker."
Footage of the incident was released to the public after an outpour of online and social media misinformation about what exactly happened.
The sheriff's department said the owner of the Pitbull was notified of the incident and the dog was taken to a local veterinary clinic.
The condition of the dog was unknown as of the time this article was published.
According to reports, the incident is being investigated by the Criminal Investigation Division and the department's Internal Affairs, per orders of the Sherriff's Department to look into any officer's use of force.
"Both investigations are open and active at this time," Cruz said.
6 News will update with the latest.
Read more:
Watch more: