Iowa Police Officer Accidentally Kills Woman While Reportedly Trying to Shoot Her Dog

Oh brother. I know the police do their best (usually) but this has "CNN Developing Story" written all over it. This could be great for the Burlington economy, especially with their JC Penney store closing. I hope they have enough hotel rooms........I'm only half-kidding. Thanks to Vice for the story:

Burlington Officer Jesse Hill was bitten by a dog during the incident in which he shot and killed 34-year-old Autumn Mae Steele, according to a statement on Wednesday from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

Steele had been arrested the previous night and charged with a domestic abuse misdemeanor. She was released Tuesday morning, and Hill was escorting her to her residence to collect some belongings. According to a neighbor who witnessed the event, the couple's German shepherd approached the officer.

"The dog startled the officer," a witness told the Burlington Hawk Eye. "The officer began shooting at the dog. The officer was still shooting when he fell down in the snow."

Preliminary findings suggest that Hill fired his gun twice, with one of the rounds striking Steele's torso. Another witness told the Hawk Eye that "the woman was shot accidentally."

The DCI statement confirms that Hill was treated for at least one dog bite after the incident occurred. A special agent on the investigation did not elaborate on how exactly the dog was involved, nor did he provide specific information on the injuries or how many bites there were.

An autopsy was expected to begin on Thursday, as the DCI continues its investigation into the case.