Mesa, United States - November 29, 2025 Just before 3:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 29, 2025, Mesa Police officers patrolling Fitch Park at 651 N. Center Street found 37-year-old Jarell White sleeping on a table in the closed park, a violation of Mesa City Code 6-10-3(A). As officers approached him, an unleashed pit bull–mix on the tabletop began growling. One officer backed away to create distance, but within seconds the dog jumped down and charged at them, barking, growling, and snapping. One officer continued retreating while a second officer fired three shots to stop what was described as an imminent bite. According to department policy, officers may use force to stop an immediate threat, including from an aggressive animal. After being shot, the dog ran off. Additional officers responded because the scene had not yet been deemed safe. Once more units arrived, officers attempted to help the injured dog, but it continued acting aggressively and growling when they approached. Using a snare, officers eventually walked the dog to a patrol car and transported it to a nearby animal hospital within six minutes of the encounter. Body-worn camera footage captured officers telling Jarell, “Your dog is going to the vet at Country Club and McClellan,” making clear that he was informed of the dog’s location. At the animal hospital, officers told veterinary staff that the dog had an owner. Medical personnel determined the injuries were too severe for surgery and decided, based on veterinary standards, to euthanize the dog. Officers were not present when that decision was made. Later that evening, just before 8:00 p.m., a Central Station Watch Commander notified a woman named Bertha—believed to be Jarell’s mother—of the dog’s location. Body-worn camera footage supports that two people were informed on two separate occasions. As with all use-of-force incidents, the department is conducting a full review to ensure actions complied with policy and Arizona law. Initial findings indicate the officer’s response was consistent with policy when confronted with an aggressive, charging dog. Mesa Police state that officers receive training to handle aggressive animals, use de-escalation techniques, and apply humane practices. The incident has been forwarded to the Critical Incident Review Board for further evaluation.