this is newsworthy ?

TRUTH BE KNOWN THESE DUDES.WERE PROBABLY AFRAID OF THE DOGS, CAN YOU IMAGINE IF IT HAD BEEN AKID WITH A TOY GUN. LETS SEE HOW MUCH COVER UP THERE IS. OK DD DO YOUR IN DEPTH INVESTIGATING--DO THESE WONDERS IN BLUE HAVE PAST RECORDS OF SHOOT FIRST CK LATER--OR ANY NEGATIVE INFO OR WERETHEY BOTH COP OF THE YEAR--HOW ABOUT AN INVESTIGATION BY THE HUMANE SOCIETY- BE SURPRISED IF ANY WRONG DOING IS FOUND WHEN ITS A SELF CHECK.

It is sad when an animal has to put down in any manner but the sad thing here is some that cannot control their own actions simply should not own a animal. Haggamaker obviously has issues and they transferred to the action of his dog. Our society is far too accepting of over indulgence with alcohol. Put the blame where is lays, with the owner.

Officer Hightower's name seems to have been in the paper for SEVERAL incidences lately (outside the department).....maybe the police chief needs to look at who he has hired to "protect and serve". Seems to be he may be a little trigger happy and likes to throw his badge around a little too much. The witnesses story do not seem to match up with the police side of the story.....ummmmm?

People on site willing to control the dog and this help was refused! Beating on the door even though it was open?? Big questions here that will never be addressed. DPD are you back to old

ways of the past??

Who would you believe the police officer, or the dog, or its owner. I go with the police officer. These men have a tough and dangerous job to do.

I have never read such a stupid statement, supposedly by a Steven Shaddrix, "police put others in danger." Our society is in trouble, and not from the police.

@*&#^! cops. Little dogs think they're big dogs

@*&#^!s

Judy that bullet traveled through another apartment's door and ended in a piece of furniture of an occupied dwelling and you think that no one was at risk! My son is a law enforcement officer and yes they do have dangerous jobs but just simply saying they have dangerous jobs doesn't relieve them from using common sense that's why we tax payers pay for them to go through the academy so they don't make knee jerk decisions that put others at risk.

Had I or you discharged a firearm then the police would be the first to say I and you put others at risk and that's why we had to be stopped.

The actions of these cops were dangerous and appalling. Had a normal citizen shot at those poor dogs, they would be arrested for animal cruelty, firing into an occupied dwelling, and perhaps more charges. It's bad enough those poor dogs were injured and killed- what if some of those stray bullets had injured or killed people, maybe a small child, as well? A badge doesn't automatically make anyone worthy of honor and respect. Those cops are nothing but reckless bullies with guns and badges, and they give good, honest policemen who actually do a fine job of serving and protecting the public a bad name. This reckless, violent, cruel behavior is completely unacceptable, and those cops should be held accountable for their actions.

This is really terrible. These cops sound like rogue cops to me. Little gun happy? I hope they are punished severely or better yet fired but I doubt that will happen. They are Decatur's finest, HA!

Taser? Mace? Pepper Spray?

@Judy - our society truly is in trouble. Look at the number or incidents around the country in the last year involving use of excessive force by police officers. I'm sure most cops do not fit the profile, but there are quite a few who will resort to use of deadly force way too quickly. Many of these psychos are on a power trip and think they are above the law because they wear a badge. Someone needs to remind them that their job is to "Serve and Protect", not "Intimidate and Harass".

I am amazed about these comments. Peggy uses, "Intimidate and Harass." Deadly force, psychos on a power trip.

Our society is in deeper trouble than I can imagine, and if we wrote down a list of 10 reasons why, "why," the last reason would be our police. I have had dealings with both Hartselle and Decatur policemen, and Morgan County deputies, and one of the problems could have become serious. In that case, Hartselle police and Morgan County deputies, quickly ended that situation. I was impressed, grateful and thankful. I will never forget the incident, and as a result, I have become much more caution. Later, one of the Hartselle policemen, return to my home, to tell me what had happened. I will always remember that young policeman.

Judy

You have been a recipient of a good officer who truly serves and protects I hope and pray you never come in contact with the likes of those that have become Militarized and conditioned to the point all people outside of the force are enemy combatants.

Ain't no dog gonna bite me if I'm carrying a gun!

Hightower is a bully and ANYONE, including most of the people that work with him agree he's a disgrace to the Dept and the city. Its time city officials kick him to the curb before he causes some real damage to Decatur.

So call me PRO-POLICE if you want, but obviously most of you people forget what these men and women go through on a daily basis for our communities. Its so easy to sit on your couch and back seat quarter back their decisions in the safety and comfort of your own home or office. What you all need to understand is 1) you were not there!! nor were the "witnesses" they saw & heard from a distance. 2) Those officer's were called there to that apartment to take care of an problem, they don't get a choice. Because they are called there doesn't mean they must sit back while a dog attacks them. Common sense would tell you if you wait to let the dog bite, then you waited to long. 3) Police can not predict the future, if they knew without a doubt what a dog, person, bullet was going to do or how it would react to their presence, then certainly this could be considered excessive! 4) They are Human, while advanced in a biological aspect, they are capable of making mistakes. But none of you posting neg. comments have ever made a mistake.

I caution everyone with the thought, what would it be like in a world with no police. Nothing stopping you from the dirt bag trying to kick in your door, running you over, taking your kids out of your house, etc. You say I can defend myself... That maybe, against one or two, but hundreds, remember no police no jails. There is no doubt there are bad police, but most are honorable respectable members of the community.

If you don't feel this way then next time someone is stealing your property or assaulting you, just let it go... don't bother them. There are people who respect what they do and need the services they provide. I can remember a time when there was respect for the law and those who enforced it.

I pray for those in blue/brown every night, hoping they can safely complete their task for the day, and return safely home to their Families.

I ask you all let the Investigation to the events on this night conclude before you make a uneducated, immature, disrespectful comment towards these brave Men & Women that watch over you everyday and night!

Ruth you sound like you have never delt with theses out of control pigs so keep your thought and when you do deal with them I want to hear your new story

Fitting Name "Lost Cause" precisely what you are... What you fail to understand like most with your negative thoughts, I deal with them on a daily basis! Everyday I come home to a house with my hard earned valuables still intact, everyday I go to the store and don't get run over. Every night I go to sleep I know there is someone who I don't know watching out for me and my family.

"Lost Cause" is stuck in a childish frame of mind, simple minded really, I would say you've either been arrested, got some tickets, or been told "no". That last one is a stickler for many who dislike the police!!! typically comes from those who had parents who weren't willing to use the word.

So here is my new story, Thank you to all of our Men and Women for dealing with people like "Lost Cause".

Ruth, go to city hall and ask to see Hightowers records and ALL the complaints against him. I understand that almost every officer is the target of bogus complaints, however, this poor excuse of a public servant is notorious for his terrible attitude,even during simple traffic stops. He also seems to really enjoy kicking in doors for made up reasons in the very area this incident took place. I thank law enforcement personal at every opportunity for what they do, but this person is out of control! I pray you NEVER have to deal with him, because he has no conscience. He will say ANYTHING to cover his own butt!!

I'm sure there are a number of good law enforcement but obviously these were not. I still believe they should be dealt with severely or fired. I do not believe they will receive any punishment no matter what the public outcry. What if they had shot a child or any human being? Based on what the witnesses have reported it sounds like these cops were trigger happy.

I haven't said he was a good officer and that their decision that night was the right one. What I have said was none of us were present during the incident, nor were the witnesses. You can't hear something and come out and consider yourself a witness. All I'm saying is, all the instant negativity towards the men and women who protect you 24/7 365, before they have even had a chance to investigate the incident is absolutely despicable!! These Brave souls don't know you from adam, get paid like crap, and are still willing to stand between you and your maker! And you can't even give them enough time for there actions to be investigated to determine if their actions were wrong. I don't think the general public would appreciate it if everyone the police came in contact with was guilty at point of contact.

There is a process allotted for the public, the same should be allotted for the Police. Sometimes I don't understand why they all don't just walk off the job, having to deal with this type of ridicule all the time. Generally is a result of the media, and crappy reporting like above, but this stuff sells. You don't see the articles showing that one officer I saw changing a guys tire on 31 because he had medical problems. Or helping with and elder's busted pipes in the early morning hours to help save the house from a lot of damage. These are the type of events the news doesn't pickup because it doesn't sell and its unfortunate. Most people only have the opportunity to deal with the police when things have gone bad or they've been caught making a mistake. This isn't the cops fault, if they didn't want to go to jail or pay a fine, they should have thought about it before they committed the crime.

And if the officer's are in the wrong then they should be penalized.

Ruth, were not trying to condemn ALL officers because of this one incident, But we are pointing out that the particular officer involved here is an out of control, rude, unprofessional, self-appointed judge and jury cop! He's the kind of officer that gives all Decatur Police Officers an undeserved bad name! Please..go ask for a list of ALL the citizen complaints against this person.

I understand Theresa if that be the case then definitely the department should take some action to fix the problem for prior events. But according to the article, and several post calling the police "pigs" "deadly force psycho's" they say two officers were involved and automatically accuse the officer's and supervisors of wrong doing or cover-up. Yet they haven't given the department to fully investigate the incident. I just hate to see these brave people constantly having to put up with this type of ridicule.

Not to defend some of the comments made...but they probably have had to deal with Hightower in the past. I to hope the DPD cuts this guy loose.

These cops need their badges removed. I am a owner of 7 dogs and this makes me very angry. The dog was doing what it was suppose to. My dogs are big babies but if you come in my house they will bark and may growl at you. THAT IS THEIR JOB TO PROTECT THEIR OWNER AND HOME!! A dog doesn't recognize a uniformed cop. They only know this "stranger" is entering their home. These SOB's need the sh*# beat out of them. Cop or not, their actions were wrong!!!

RIGHT ON HOME PLUS THEIR STORYS DONT JIVE--WAS THE DOOR OPEN??? IF SO WHY KICK IT OPEN?? IM SURE THE COPS WERE YELINGL WHATEVER THEY YELL AND THEY SHOULD REALIZSE THAT PUTS ANY DOG IN ALERT / ATTACK MODE. IN ADDITTION TO ANY DISCIPLINE THEY SHOULD BE MADE TO REIMBURSE FOR THE DOGS AND ALL EXPENSES. I DONT KNOW ABOUT THOSE COPS BUT I KNOW SOME ANIMAL LOVERS IF I DID THAT W/O REASON IN THEIR HOMES AND COP OR NO COP I WOULD LEAVE TOWN OR SPEND THE REST OF MY LIFE LOOKING OVER MY SHOULDER. ANIMALS TO MANY PEOPLE ARE THE SAME AS THEIR CHILDREN--- AND BEFOR SOME OF YOU DO GOODERS CRY OUT MOST ANIMAL PEOPLE TAKE BETTER CARE OF THEIR ANIMALS THAN A LOT OF YOU ANIMAL/SO CALLED PARENTS TAKE CARE OF YOUR KIDS.

THERESA of Decatur. It's possible, J. Crouch reads the comments section. I'm sure the department has polices and procedures, officers must follow.

I hope Crouch reads the comments section. I still do not believe it will make a difference on the DPD's decison. I believe they will do nothing. The one thing I do not understand is the actions taken by police. It sounds to me like this guy was arrested on misdemeanor charges or either I read it wrong. So why the excessive force, i.e., kicking down doors, shooting dogs and bullets flying in occupied dwellings. This is insane. This guy really needs to be fired, IMO. I really hope the DD will keep its readers informed on what the outcome is. Thanks Daily for all you do.

It seems like it would be fairly easy to weed out these robo cops, Most police officers will finish long careers and retire never once firing their weapons, also many will retire never once even drawing their weapon, so these that have numerous compaints and incidents are clearly loose cannons. Every single police department has at least one power tripping moron, it is a law of the universe, This incident should not be taken lightly because it sounds like it could have had a far more tradgic outcome.