The civil complaint against Des Moines police officers, who shot a dog in November, is still searching for a court to hear it.
The civil complaint was filed by Chuck and Deirdre Wright, who are alleging Officer Michael Graddon and Sgt. Steve Weiland committed misdemeanors, including animal cruelty, when dealing with their dog, Rosie, who was loose. The complaint has been sent to three different courts, which say they cannot hear the case.
The complaint was originally filed in Des Moines Municipal Court. At the initial hearing in February, Des Moines Municipal Court Judge Veronica Alicea-Galvan recused herself and sent the case to be heard by the King County District Court.
Earlier this week, King County District Chief Presiding Judge Barbara Linde sent the case to Pierce County District Court, saying all of the members of the King County court bench were disqualified from hearing the case.
However on March 25, a Pierce County District Court official said they had no judges who could hear the case.
Jennifer Steele, the criminal division manager in Pierce County District Court, sent an email the Wrights’ attorney, Adam Karp, saying someone in the King County District Court would get in touch with him soon about another change in venue.
The police were responding to a roaming dog call and when attempts to capture Rosie failed, including tasing her twice, Sgt. Weiland gave Graddon the OK to use lethal force.
An internal investigation by the Des Moines Police Department and a shooting review of the incident found no wrong doing on the part of the officers and Des Moines Interim Police Chief John O’Leary has said no disciplinary actions will be taken against the officers involved.
The King County prosecutor also found no criminal culpability in the actions of the officers.