Justice for Apollo: New Orleans Police Officer Faces Lawsuit for Shooting Puppy
A New Orleans police officer is facing a federal lawsuit after shooting and killing a puppy named Apollo while responding to a call about a domestic disturbance. The officer, Derrick Burmaster, entered the yard where the dog lived and fatally shot the 18-week-old Catahoula Leopard dog, despite internal investigations finding the shooting unjustified. The dog's owners, Derek Brown and Julia Barecki-Brown, are seeking damages for emotional distress caused by the incident.
The New Orleans Police Department's internal investigations determined that Officer Burmaster's use of force in shooting Apollo violated department policies. However, the department later cleared him of wrongdoing in response to a lawsuit filed by the dog's owners. The Independent Police Monitor expressed disagreement with the department's decision to exonerate Burmaster, questioning the alignment with policy and the justification for the shooting.
The fatal encounter between Officer Burmaster and Apollo occurred when the officer responded to a call reporting a woman screaming inside a home. Body camera footage showed Burmaster entering the yard and encountering the two dogs, Apollo and another larger dog. Burmaster fired three shots at Apollo, claiming he feared the dog would bite him. The owners of the dogs expressed shock and grief at the shooting, emphasizing that Apollo was a beloved pet.
Officer Burmaster's decision to shoot Apollo was scrutinized by the department's Use of Force Review Board, which concluded that the smaller dog posed no threat. Investigators noted that Burmaster did not consider non-lethal options and violated department policy by not carrying his baton or wearing body armor. Despite the findings, Burmaster was exonerated by department leadership, prompting criticism from the Independent Police Monitor and the dog's owners.
Apollo, a Catahoula Leopard dog, was described as an affectionate and loyal family companion. The incident involving his shooting has raised questions about police accountability and use of force in the New Orleans Police Department. The lawsuit filed by Apollo's owners seeks justice for the loss of their beloved pet and highlights the emotional distress caused by the officer's actions.