Sonoma County Sheriff's Deputy Fatally Shoots Dog During A Trespassing Investigation

WINDSOR, CA — A Sonoma County sheriff's deputy shot a dog that attacked him last week while he was investigating a report of trespassing at a business in Windsor, authorities said.

On Sept. 1, the deputy was following up on a complaint from the owner of a rural property in the 200 block of American Way, according to a release from the Windsor Police Department, which is staffed by the Sonoma County Sheriff's office.

The deputy told two suspected trespassers at the property to control their dog, a pit bull mix that was on a loose leash, but the dog attacked, said Sgt. Jeff Toney.

The deputy shot in self-defense and the dog was fatally injured. The deputy suffered minor injuries from a bite to his ankle, Toney said.

It wasn't the first time that deputies had encountered an aggressive dog at the property. One month before, a deputy narrowly escaped being bitten at the site by the same dog, Toney said.

Two Santa Rosa residents suspected of trespassing were taken into custody on Sept. 1 at the site.
Miel Singletary Schultz, 53, was arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance, possession of controlled substance paraphernalia, and trespassing.

Eric Chad McCarty, 49, was arrested on suspicion of trespassing and two counts of probation violation.

Copyright © 2025 Bay City News, Inc.