On April 26, a house fire in Knoxville, Tennessee, led to 11 people and several dogs being evacuated. However, during the fire rescue, the owner shot one of the dogs that was reportedly attacking another pup while they were evacuating. The man was detained and taken into custody by the authorities.
Several dogs and 11 people evacuated from house fire in Knoxville
A house fire still under investigation displaced 11 people and several dogs living on the property. Per WVLT, Knoxville Fire Department officials received a call at around 3:30 a.m. on Friday. The report mentioned smoke being spotted coming from the back of a house. Upon arrival, the firefighters noted that 11 people and 33 dogs resided in the Knoxville property.
Fortunately, almost everyone made it out of the fire safely. The Knoxville Fire Department had to perform an offensive fire attack by entering the house and managed to contain the flames to the back of the property. Unfortunately, the property suffered fire, water, and smoke damage after the incident. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Man arrested for shooting dog during fire rescue
Residents were already at work evacuating the dogs when the firefighters entered the scene, per WBIR. However, during the fire rescue, they heard a gunshot. It was soon determined that one of the canines started attacking the rest, and the owner shot it.
Since the Knoxville Police Department was already on the scene, the man was taken into custody. The suspect was identified to be Gregory Leroy and has been charged with theft of a firearm and reckless endangerment.
The Knoxville Animal Control was also dispatched to help evacuate the canines. No injuries were reported, as the firefighters all made it out safely.
