Columbus (GA) native killed by (Iowa Police Officer's) stray bullet

[tosh]

http://www.walb.com/story/27815803/columbus-native-killed-by-stray-bullet

COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) -

Authorities in Iowa are investigating the death of a woman originally from Columbus.

34-year-old Autumn Steel was killed earlier this week when a police officer slipped on the snow and discharged his weapon.

The stray bullet, intended to fend off Steele's dog, struck her and killed her in front of her husband and young son.

Steele's family told News Leader 9 there is no new information on the case and that they are waiting for her body to be released.

slightly more at link.

[Erich Bloodaxe BSN]

1. "fend off'?

Ie, he meant to shoot the family dog in front of her, her husband, and young son, and negligently shot her instead.

[tosh]

2. WaPo has more info...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-watch/wp/2015/01/09/iowa-cop-reportedly-tries-to-shoot-dog-kills-woman-instead/

Sounds as if the entire incident was a huge mess - for lack of a better but polite word.

[Erich Bloodaxe BSN]

3. That's a decent expansion on the story.

And as the writer points out, lack of training for police in dealing with dogs in any way OTHER than shooting them is indeed a serious problem.