Charges Unlikely For Tempe Officer Who Shot Dog In Pennsylvania
OPERATION NATION REPORT
2/13/2009
Tempe Police Officer Whitney Jurjevich
(photo from Myspace.com)
Tempe Police Officer Whitney Jurjevich may be off the hook. Montgomery (PA) County Assistant District Attorney Abby Silverman said a final decision will be reached by the end of the day as to whether or not charges will be brought. Pennsylvania and Arizona have similar concealed weapons laws, so the only item at issue is whether or not the dog was under control when Jurjevich shot him. "If a person reasonably believes a dog will hurt him, they have the right to use a weapon to defend themselves," Silverman said.
Stan Rosenblatt (L) and his family, including their dog, Bruce.
Jurjevich was visiting his dad in Upper Gwynedd Township, Pennsylvania when he shot Stan Rosenblatt's dog, Bruce, on January 16. According to Rosenblatt, Jurjevich said he shot Bruce 3 times because he thought the dog was going to attack him, even though Bruce was on a leash. Rosenblatt then yelled at Jurjevich, but backed off when Jurjevich pointed his gun at the dog owner, according to another report. The gun was not confiscated by Upper Gwynedd Police, who reportedly smiled and shook Jurjevich's hand after briefly questioning him. Police have refused to release the report.
Officer Whitney Jurjevich, 33, is originally from Wood Ridge, New Jersey. He was in the Marine Corps for 10 years and moved to Arizona after living in Southern California, according to his Myspace page. He describes himself as an "easy going and honest" guy.
Jurjevich (L) with his father and dog, Petey. (photo from Myspace.com)
This story will be updated throughout the day.
This story will be updated throughout the day.
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