MANSFIELD, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—On February 16 at approximately 3:30 p.m., Mansfield police officers were called to Willis Avenue in response to reports of gunfire detected by ShotSpotter technology.
Upon arrival, they were informed by a resident about a 2-year-old pet Staffordshire Terrier named Roxy that had been shot and abandoned in a driveway.
Richland County Dog Warden Missy Houghton received a call from dispatch regarding the incident and observed the gunshot wound on Roxy’s side, indicating a struggle for breath. Roxy was taken to a local veterinarian, where X-rays revealed multiple projectile fragments in her torso, with the shots originating from behind her. Additionally, a fractured leg was discovered, likely due to blunt force trauma occurring simultaneously.
Despite efforts to save Roxy, the severity of her injuries led to the decision for euthanasia once her owners were notified. Surveillance footage in the area did not yield any evidence, but Houghton identified footage from nearby cameras showing three individuals, suspected to be juveniles, leaving the scene after the incident. This video, although not capturing the act itself, provides insight into the events surrounding Roxy’s tragic shooting.
The injuries to Roxy appear to indicate that she was retreating from, rather than attacking, whoever was responsible.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call the Mansfield Police Department or the Richland County Dog Warden.