Cop Who Fatally Shot Family Dog Faces Fresh Backlash
A Davenport police officer is under fire again after fatally shooting a family’s dog in front of their two young children. Officer Ethan Bock, who responded to reports of aggressive dogs, has a troubling recent history – just a month earlier, he was accused of running over a service dog.
Shock Shooting Unfolds Before Children’s Eyes
The incident took place Wednesday night when Officer Bock arrived in response to complaints about four aggressive dogs nearby. As he approached, he asked a family to leash their German Shepherd mix, Myst. The family’s children tried to comply, but Myst, startled by the officer’s sudden movement, barked and ran towards him.
Bodycam footage shows Bock firing two shots, striking Myst, who collapsed and died on the family’s front porch—right in front of their terrified children.
Community Outraged, Calls for Accountability
The community erupted in outrage over the shooting, especially since the original call was from a different location. The grieving family demands justice and full accountability for the officer’s actions.
This isn’t Officer Bock’s first brush with controversy. Just a month prior, he was involved in a hit-and-run that killed a service dog. Witnesses were reportedly dismissed by police, and the dog’s owner was offered a mere $1,700 in compensation. No disciplinary action was taken, raising serious questions about the police department’s handling of such cases.
Police Probe Underway Amid Calls for Reform
The Davenport Police Department has launched an internal investigation but has not yet announced any disciplinary action against Bock. Locals and animal rights groups are demanding transparency and urgent reforms in how officers deal with pets during police responses.
As the investigation drags on, Myst’s family mourns deeply while fighting to make sure no other children or pets endure such trauma.
