A Texas police officer fatally shot a woman as he was trying to defend himself against a charging dog.
Per the New York Post, the Arlington police released a statement about an officer-involved shooting on Thursday. According to the statement, police had responded to a welfare check request for a woman who was seen passed out in a grassy area. When a responding officer tried to approach the woman, an “unrestrained” dog reportedly came charging at him, barking.
The officer reportedly tried to alert the woman about the dog, but she did not appear to respond. After attempting to retreat from the dog, the officer fired his gun at the animal. At that point, according to the statement, the woman cried out and it was apparent she had been shot.
The woman, identified by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram as 30-year-old Margarita Brooks, was later pronounced dead at a hospital. Known by locals as “Maggie,” she is believed to have been homeless. A Facebook page appearing to belong to the deceased woman was last publicly updated in 2017.
According to the New York Post, the officer had activated his body camera before the shooting and authorities are investigating.
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[Feature image: Maggie Brooks/Facebook]