Neighbors in the Mantua section of West Philadelphia had asked the police force to come out to 42nd & Pennsgrove to shut down a busy crack house that was operating on that block.
The narcotic task force was out Wednesday night, but when the police moved in to arrest the accused dealer, a tragic mistake occurred.
"Obviously a mistake was made, and we are definitely acknowledging that," said Lt. Ray Evers of the Philadelphia Police.
The police department spokesman spoke on the tragedy Wednesday night in the 4200 block of Pennsgrove Street where the pit bull mix belonging to the owner of 4213 was shot to death by police in a case of mistaken identity.
Police had been watching 4211 after neighbor complaints of drug sales, when the suspect came out on the doorstep of 4211; an order was given to take him. But when uniformed officers converged, the suspect had already gone back inside.
One officer spotted the 4213 resident, Vincent Carter entering his house. The officer, a 15-year veteran, goes to the wrong porch and grabs Carter thinking he was the suspect.
Carter's dog "Zeus" charged through the open door.
"As he was grabbing the neighbor, the neighbor's dog does the right thing and bites an intruder. Unfortunately, it was the police officer," explained Lt. Evers. "The police officer discharged several times striking the dog and killing the dog."
Police say Carter, who lived alone with his pet, was devastated. When the shooting occurred, police had already arrested 4 drug buyers who made purchases at the front door of 4211.
After the shooting they arrested the drug dealing suspect, Kenneth Nicholson, age 36.
Police say they confiscated nearly 70 packets of crack-cocaine ready for sale.
"A mistake was made by the officer, and I guess, through the law department, restitution will be made to the owner of the dog," said Lt. Evers.
The dog's owner was not available for comment.
