Radio dispatch released in shooting of family dog in Wyckoff reveals troubling details

WYCKOFF, N.J. (WABC) -- There is troubling new information about a family dog that was shot and killed by a police officer during a botched burglary call in New Jersey.

Otto, a German shepherd, was shot by a Wyckoff police officer April 29th when the officer went to the wrong address to investigate a break in.

In radio dispatches released Monday, an officer repeats the wrong address.

He's also told the break in was days ago, to let him know there was no immediate threat from a burglar.

Otto ran out a window left open for him by his owners.

The officer says Otto bit him on the boot and that's when he fired.

Last week, more than 50 protesters met outside Wyckoff Town Hall with signs and pets in hand.

They came looking to leaders for answers about why Otto was shot and killed.

"They've gone too far with just not telling the truth. If they would have just told the truth this wouldn't have to happen. We would say we understand you got scared and you shot my dog," said Igor Vukobratovic, the dog's owner.

Vukobratovic and his family are devastated.

"Everything we have seen or heard doesn't make sense. It doesn't add up and doesn't make sense and that's what hurts us the most," a resident said.

Town leaders responded saying they have asked for a Bergen County detective to assist with the ongoing investigation and for the Prosecutor's Office and Attorney General's office to be pulled into the loop.

"While we appreciate your comments please understand we will not engage as this is an ongoing police investigation," said Kevin Rooney, Mayor of Wyckoff.

More than 5,000 people support an online petition calling for the officer to be fired, but residents from Wyckoff and neighboring towns who protested believe this is a police training issue.

"I think the officers need to be trained on how to deal with dogs, how to respond to calls involving animals, what to do when approached by an animal," said Linda Uber-Martin, a protester.

"They need to own up to the fact that they made a mistake. That's what the family wants they just want the truth, and they just want Otto's life not to have been lost for nothing," a protester said.