Midvale, Cottonwood Heights officers cleared in shooting incident involving police dog

MIDVALE — Officers who shot and killed a man who had just fatally shot a police dog were cleared of any wrongdoing Friday by the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office.

The district attorney's office determined that the two officers, Midvale police officer Brian Todd and Cottonwood Heights police officer Chris McHugh, were justified in using deadly force against Tevita Talano A. Fisiitalia.

Police were called to the area of 6800 South and 700 East on Jan. 1 on a report of a burglary. Officers arrived to find four suspects. One was immediately taken into custody, and the other three fled.

During a search of the area, police spotted Fisiitalia and chased after him. After losing sight of him, a K9 officer released Koda, a 31/2-year-old Belgian Malinois, to chase after him.

Koda ran ahead and out of sight of his handler. But shortly after he was released, the sound of several gunshots was heard. Police rounded the corner to find Koda had been fatally shot.

As officers resumed their foot chase of Fisiitalia, officers spotted what appeared to be a gun pointed at them as he was running. Two officers opened fire, striking Fisiitalia. He was transported to a local hospital but later died from his injuries.

The two other people involved in the burglary were arrested.

— Pat Reavy