An Arkansas woman standing on a porch was shot by a deputy attempting to shoot a Pomeranian coming his way, according to bodycam footage and a lawsuit obtained by Little Rock station KATV.
Tina Hight filed a lawsuit in June against a Columbia County deputy, a sheriff, and the sheriff’s office following a 2022 incident she says left a bullet in her shin and continues causing anxiety. Video appears to show Columbia County Deputy Brian Williams frantically warning he’ll open fire on the dog that’s running his way as Hight, at least one family member and another law enforcement officer are standing in a doorway several yards away.
“I’ll kill this motherf—er,” the deputy yells. “Get your goddamn dog.”
A full-grown Pomeranian can stand 11-inches tall and weigh up to seven pounds. The American Kennel Club calls the breed inquisitive and bold.
Mere seconds later, Williams opens fire as the dog closes in, causing a commotion on the porch as Hight goes down.
“You shot my aunt!” one woman shouts.
“I shot who?” the deputy asks. “I didn’t shoot her.”
Williams then claims Hight’s injury was caused by the Pomeranian or perhaps the other dog that was standing on the porch. According to Hight’s lawsuit — and video of her telling the alleged shooter “You shot me!” — that wasn’t the case.
“I have never been shot before,” Hight told KATV is an interview aired Thursday. “I didn’t understand.”
Hight said being shot by a cop will make her think twice the next time she’s in need of help. The nature of the police officers’ visit isn’t clear, but KATV reports that Hight initially called 911.
The station says the deputy’s personnel file shows no record of any reprimand following the incident. An attorney representing the officers being sued didn’t respond to KATV’s request for comment.
