Created: 7/10/2009 1:45:16 PM 
Danville, VA -- An officer accused of shooting a small dog last month has since been fired, according to his police department.
On June 8th, Officer Murrill McLean was attempting to serve a warrant on Berman Drive when he says he was attacked by the family's dachshund.
Officer McLean says the dog lunged at him. That's when he drew his weapon and killed the dog, named "Killer".
The police department supervisor originally accepted the officer's statement said he was justified under their policy. No further investigation was conducted until media reports found evidence at the scene that was not documented into the investigation file.
After a full internal investigation, Danville Police Chief Philip Broadfoot determined that "while Officer McLean's fear of rabies is well founded based on several personal life experiences, his reports of how the shooting occurred were misleading and factually inaccurate."
Chief Broadfoot said "This entire matter has been an embarrassment to the Danville Police Department, the City of Danville, and to me personally. I apologize to the Harper family for the loss of their pet and pledge to them that I will make changes in our operation to ensure that nothing like this happens again," Chief Broadfoot continued.
Officer McLean has since been fired. The supervisor that accepted McLean's first statement is also facing discipline action.
WFMY News 2
