Investigators: Florida Panhandle Deputy Justified in Shooting Dog

Authorities in the Florida Panhandle have concluded that a sheriff's deputy was justified in using deadly force when he shot and killed a dog.

The dog's owner, James Phelan, filed a complaint against the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office after the shooting early Sunday in Crestview.

Authorities tell the Northwest Florida Daily News that Deputy Robert Robinson was responding to a noise complaint in the neighborhood when Phelan's dog left his yard.

In an incident report, Robinson said the dog was barking and approaching him aggressively when he shot it twice.

Sheriff's office investigators reviewed video captured by Robinson's body camera and found that the dog was a few feet away from the deputy when he fired.

In his complaint, Phelan said the dog had been startled by Robinson's vehicle.