Meriden Police Kill Pit Bull During Domestic Violence Arrest

MERIDEN, CT — A Meriden police officer shot and killed a pit bull during a domestic violence arrest Thursday evening on Runge Drive, according to the department.

Police were called to the residence at about 5:30 p.m. on a report that the suspect, Jamie Hess, had allegedly threatened his ex-wife with a firearm. The victim was able to provide information to police and escape from the scene before officers arrived.

"Once on scene, Mr. Hess was located and officers were attempting to take him into custody on the front porch of the home where he does reside," Meriden Police Sgt. Darrin McKay wrote in a statement. "At that time Mr. Hess began to resist officers and he began to struggle in an attempt to avoid arrest. At that time a pit bull was able to get out of the home and it charged at the officers who were attempting to take Mr. Hess into custody. Fearing for their safety, an officer drew his duty weapon and fired one shot striking the canine in the area of the neck."

Hess' 5 year old son was home at the time of the incident.

The dog dropped and officers took Hess into custody. Meriden's Animal Control Officer responded to the scene and transported the animal to an area veterinary hospital where the dog succumbed to its injuries, according to police.

A search of the home turned up marijuana, and three facsimile firearms also were seized.

Hess, 35, was charged with:

• Disorderly Conduct
• Risk of Injury to a Minor
• Interfering with Police
• Possession of Marijuana
• Second-degree Threatening
• Possession of a Facsimile Firearm

He was held in lieu of a $150,000 bond and is scheduled to be arraigned in court today, Dec. 16.

Photo: Jamie Hess. Photo credit: Meriden Police Department