Body Cam Footage Of Vernon Cop Shooting Dog Is Released

VERNON, NJ — Body camera footage of a Vernon Township police officer shooting a family dog dead was released by police on Monday after public outrage at what some called an unjustified shooting.

Ptl. Emanuel Rivera shot the dog, a Labrador retriever named Hiro, in the Scenic Lakes section of town on Saturday. In a statement released over the weekend, Vernon police said that the dog "aggressively charge at Ptl. Rivera approaching in close proximity to the retreating officer," despite Rivera's commands that the dog stop.

Hiro's owner, Jenn Hearon, denied that claim to News 12 NJ, saying that Hiro wasn't a threat, he was just barking. She said she found him laying in the middle of the street, covered in a blanket, after he was shot dead. She said she hadn't even noticed he'd slipped out of the home.

On Monday, Vernon Police released body camera footage of the shooting, saying they are "committed to transparency, our community and residents." The video is graphic in nature and might be upsetting to some readers.

The video is about two and a half minutes long, and starts with Ptl. Emanuel Rivera talking about the dog with the neighborhood resident who called police.

The caller, a man dressed in jeans and an orange shirt, can be heard telling Rivera that he was "pretty f---ing scared" after Rivera asked if the dog looked like it was going to bite.

"I tried to give it water or whatever, but it kind of attacked me almost, like rabid. And I'm not someone that scares easy, and I was scared," the man can be heard off-camera saying before showing Rivera a photo he took of the dog. Rivera can be seen taking the man's phone and zooming in on picture, verbally noting the dog's collar.

After talking to the man, Rivera walks over to a neighbor's house, where a woman confirms that she saw the dog running around and says it belongs to the home next door.

Rivera asked if the dog bites; the woman responds but it's not clear what she says.

Rivera walks to the end of the driveway and onto the street when the dog comes running towards him while parking loudly.

"Hey! Back up! Back up! Back! Back!" Rivera yells while backing up from the dog. He then shoots the dog; the video ends as soon as the shot is fired.

Police acknowledged that they did not release the entirely of the incident, citing the ongoing investigation.

"The incident is under investigation by the Vernon Township Police Department. The body camera footage in its entirety is being withheld due to privacy concerns and the ongoing investigation," Vernon police said.

The shooting has caused widespread outrage on social media, with some saying it was unnecessary to shoot the dog; others have defended Rivera, saying the dog acted violently.

"The death of a pet is always sad no matter what the circumstances and our thoughts and prayers for comfort are with all parties involved," Vernon Mayor Harry J. Shortway said. Shortway said he anticipated releasing more information when the investigation is complete.

Viewer discretion is advised. The following video contains strong language and graphic violence: