What Happened During the Fitch Park Incident on November
29, 2025
Just before 3:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 29, 2025, Mesa
Police officers were patrolling Fitch Park at 651 N. Center Street. The park
was closed at the time—Mesa parks are closed from 10 p.m. until sunrise—and
officers found 37-year-old Jarell White sleeping on a table, which is a
violation of Mesa City Code 6-10-3(A).
As officers walked up to speak with Jarell, an unleashed pit
bull–mix began growling from the tabletop. One officer stopped and backed up to
create distance, but within seconds the dog jumped down from the table and
charged toward them—barking, growling, and snapping.
One officer continued backing away, while the second officer
fired three shots to prevent an imminent bite. According to current department
policy, officers are authorized to use force to stop an immediate threat,
including from an aggressive animal. After the shots were fired, the dog ran
off.
Officers Attempted to Help the Injured Dog
Additional officers were called in to help, as the scene had
not yet been deemed safe. Once more units arrived, officers tried to help the
injured dog. However, the dog continued to act aggressively, growling at
officers who attempted to approach. Using a snare, officers were eventually
able to walk the dog to a patrol car and transport it to a nearby animal
hospital. The transport happened within six minutes of the encounter.
Body-worn camera footage captured officers telling Jarell,
while on scene, “Your dog is going to the vet at Country Club and McClellan,”
making it clear that he was informed of the dog’s location.
At the animal hospital, multiple officers told veterinary
staff that the dog had an owner. Medical staff evaluated the dog and determined
that the injuries were too severe for surgery. Based on veterinary standards,
they made the decision to euthanize the dog. Officers were not present in the
operating room when those medical decisions were made.
Later that evening, just before 8:00 p.m., a Central Station
Watch Commander also notified a woman named Bertha—believed to be Jarell’s
mother—of the dog’s location. This means two different people were informed on
two separate occasions, which is also supported by body-worn camera footage.
Review of the Incident
As with all use-of-force incidents, the department is
conducting a full review to ensure all actions align with department policy and
Arizona law. Initial findings indicate the officer’s response was consistent
with policy when confronted with an aggressive, charging dog.
Mesa Police officers receive training on dealing with
aggressive animals, de-escalation techniques, and humane handling. This
incident has also been forwarded to the Critical Incident Review Board for a
more comprehensive evaluation.
Summary
This incident is undoubtedly distressing for everyone
involved, and we recognize the emotional impact that the loss of a pet can have
on its owner and the community. While officers were required to respond to an
immediate threat to ensure public and officer safety, we understand that the
outcome is painful and deeply unfortunate. The Mesa Police Department remains
committed to transparency, compassionate service, and a thorough review of the
incident to ensure that our policies, training, and actions continue to reflect
the highest standards of care for both our residents and their animals.
As our commitment to transparency, below is the body worn camera footage of the incident.
VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED
