Video of Richmond Police Tasing Dog During DUI Arrest Sparks Debate
A recent arrest in Richmond, California, has ignited a sharp debate across social media after a police officer deployed a Taser on a dog belonging to a heavily intoxicated driver. The incident, which took place in the middle of a Monday afternoon, was captured on video and quickly went viral, prompting a range of reactions from the community and drawing an official response from the Richmond Police Department.
The events unfolded on January 12, 2026, around 3:17 p.m., when officers were investigating a hit and run collision near Barrett Avenue. The driver, suspected of being under the influence, had fled the scene but was later located several blocks away in front of a local restaurant on Nevin Avenue.
According to the Richmond Police Department, the situation escalated when the suspect, who was reportedly intoxicated and uncooperative, refused commands to secure his large dog and submit to arrest. Police officials stated that officers attempted to negotiate a peaceful surrender while repeatedly asking the man to restrain the animal to prevent potential harm.
In a press release, police detailed how the dog, which they described as aggressive, complicated the arrest. Due to the suspect’s level of intoxication, the dog allegedly pulled the man to the ground multiple times and even bit him during the struggle. Lt. Donald Patchin said that to safely resolve the situation and avoid injury to the officers, the suspect, and the animal, a plan was developed.
The solution officers chose was a conducted energy device, commonly known as a Taser. Cellphone footage shared widely online shows the moment an officer deployed the device, causing the dog to temporarily collapse. Police defended this choice, stating the less-lethal option was selected as “one of the safest available methods” to temporarily incapacitate the dog so it could be secured while the suspect was taken into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence and hit and run.
The footage drew immediate and strong reactions online. Some social media users criticized the officers for the use of force against the animal, while others defended the police, arguing they acted reasonably to neutralize a threat in a volatile situation. For its part, the Richmond Police Department confirmed the incident is under review in accordance with its departmental policy on use of force.
Fortunately, the dog was immediately transferred to Contra Costa Animal Services for examination and treatment. Authorities report that the animal does not appear to have any lasting injuries and remains under observation. This outcome provides a measure of relief in an incident that highlights the complex and often instantaneous decisions police must make when an arrest involves an unpredictable element, like an aggressive pet.