Administrative investigation demanded against police officer from Sturgeon who killed 6 kg dog

STURGEON, Missouri (KMIZ)

The city of Sturgeon has launched an administrative investigation into the police officer who shot and killed a 13-pound dog on May 19, according to a city press release Thursday.

Officer Myron Woodson’s body camera footage, obtained by ABC 17 News through a request, showed Woodson shooting a blind and deaf Shih Tzu about three minutes after his first contact with the animal.

The city wrote in its Thursday press release that a third-party administrative investigation is being conducted. Woodson has been placed on paid administrative leave.

Captain Brian Leer of the Boone County Sheriff’s Office told ABC 17 News on Tuesday that the Sheriff’s Office will not be investigating this incident. The Thursday news release did not name the third party investigating the incident.

“The City Council of Sturgeon, Missouri has opened an administrative investigation into the allegations made against Officer Myron Woodsen. The administrative investigation is being conducted by a third party. Because this administrative investigation involves a police officer, the City of Sturgeon will follow the process required by Section 590.502, RSMo. The City Council has spent time since Tuesday’s meeting preparing a notice to Officer Myron Woodsen regarding this administrative investigation and his legal rights. The City of Sturgeon is required to keep the information collected in this investigation confidential and will disclose to the public any information required by law upon completion of the process,” the press release states.

On May 20, the city claimed in a social media post that the officer saw the dog “acting strangely and showing signs of possible injury” which was “perceived as rabid behavior.” Another social media post from the city last week said the city had reviewed the footage and believes Woodson “acted within his authority based on the information available to him at the time to protect citizens from potential injury from the apparently injured, sick and abandoned dog.”

Mayor Kevin Abrahamson resigned from his post on Saturday, the city confirmed on its Facebook page. The city later wrote online Saturday that councilors had seen the footage for the first time after ABC 17 News reported on it. Mayor Pro-Tem Seth Truesdell will take over as mayor until the vacancy is filled in accordance with local ordinance and state law.

Nicholas Hunter – the owner of the dog Teddy who was shot – filed suit against the city and Woodson on Tuesday. Hunter’s lawyer told ABC 17 News earlier this week that they also plan to file criminal charges.

The lawsuit also alleges that Woodson has received multiple complaints from residents. Woodson holds a Class A police officer’s license issued by the Hallsville Police Department, Department of Public Safety spokesman Mike O’Connell confirmed earlier this week.

Former Cole County Prosecutor Bill Tackett said an outside investigation must take place before any decisions can be made about Woodson. Tackett also said Wednesday it was “inexcusable” that an investigation had not yet been launched.