CALIFORNIA — Cell phone and body cam video show the moment a man was beaten and his pitbull dog shot dead by Inyo County deputies.
The incident unfolded on July 24 at the Chevron gas station in Bishop off US Highway 395 at approximately 2am, police said.
Investigators say officers were dispatched on a call about a domestic violence restraining order violation at 969 Tu Su Lane.
When deputies arrived at the scene, neither the reporting party nor the suspect could be located.
While looking in the area, deputies noticed a man across the street at the Chevron station, which was closed.
Police say the male subject, who apparently had nothing to do with the initial call, was yelling and agitated.
According to a press release from Inyo County Sheriff’s Office, when the first deputy made contact with the subject, identified as 32-year-old George Barlow III — Barlow asked, “Can I kill you too?” and charged at the officer with his pit bull close behind him.
After repeated commands to stop, the officer discharged his Taser on Barlow, which was ineffective because of his sweater.
Barlow then removed his sweater, at which point a second deputy arrived at the scene.
The second officer discharged his Taser on Barlow, who refused to follow commands and get on the ground, the statement said.
Barlow fell to the ground and removed the Taser darts before police were able to handcuff him.
Body cam video shows deputies then transitioned to a baton.
After striking him, Barlow grabbed the baton and attempted to get away from deputies, police said.
During the incident, Barlow commanded his dog to attack the deputies, police said. According to the report, both officers suffered dog bites and a deputy shot the pit bull, which died at the scene.
Barlow was pepper sprayed which caused him to release his grasp on the baton and charge at the deputies.
Barlow was eventually subdued after officers deployed a K9 police dog on him.
Deputies began providing medical aid and paramedics rushed Barlow to the hospital with very serious injuries. He is currently fighting for his life.
Inyo County Sheriff’s Office released body cam video of the incident after eyewitness footage shared on social media sparked outrage.
“2 OFFICERS ARRESTED FOR MURDERING DOG, BRUTALLY ASSAULTING INNOCENT MAN. That’s the headline we should be reading. This is why we want to defund you,” a user on social media wrote.
“You don’t mention the K9 that tore up his throat or abdomen! His hands were in air when he got tazed! See how quick they changed up when they know they messed up,” said another.
“Where in the video did the officer that shot the dog get bit? Why didnt he taser the dog in the beginning if the dog was a ‘threat,’” a third user wrote.
The incident is under investigation.