Richmond police Tase dog during arrest as video spreads online

Richmond police said officers used a Taser on a dog during the arrest of a heavily intoxicated driver suspected in a hit-and-run collision, an encounter later captured on video and widely shared on TikTok, Reddit, and other social media platforms.

The incident occurred at about 3:17 p.m. on Monday January, 12, 2026, after officers responded to a report of a traffic collision with injuries in the 2000 block of Barrett Avenue. Police said the driver fled the scene before officers arrived.

Officers later located the suspect several blocks away in front of the Mr. Pizza Man restaurant in the 2500 block of Nevin Avenue. Police said the man was intoxicated, refused to submit to arrest, and was accompanied by a large dog that officers described as aggressive.

Warning: This video contains graphic images. Video/ RPD

Cellphone video footage shared online shows officers struggling to take the suspect into custody as the dog moves toward them. An officer then deploys a conducted energy device on the dog, causing it to collapse. The dog is alive and is currently recieving medical care.

The video drew thousands of comments, with some users criticizing the use of force against the animal while others defended the officers’ actions.

According to police, officers repeatedly asked the suspect to secure the dog while they attempted to negotiate a peaceful surrender. The suspect refused to comply, and due to his apparent level of intoxication, the dog pulled and knocked him to the ground multiple times. Police said the dog also bit the suspect during the encounter.

“To safely resolve the situation and prevent injury to officers, the suspect, and the dog, officers developed a plan,” Lt. Donald Patchin said in a press release. “This option was selected as one of the safest available methods to avoid injury to the dog or responding officers.”

Police said officers deployed a less-lethal conducted energy device to temporarily incapacitate the dog so it could be safely secured while the suspect was taken into custody.

The dog was transferred to Contra Costa Animal Services, where it was examined and treated. Police said the dog does not appear to have any lasting injuries and remains under observation.

The suspect was arrested and booked on suspicion of driving under the influence and hit and run, police said.

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