Sheriff: Fatal shooting justified in argument over dog

FORT MEADE, Fla. – A Florida sheriff says the fatal shooting of a man during an argument over a dog named Princess was self-defence.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said witnesses and a 911 recording back 48-year-old Charles Peddycoart’s version of the events that led to the shooting Monday in Fort Meade. Judd said 22-year-old Teconsa Tyre McDonald died and 30-year-old Calvin Johnson and 18-year-old Edward Burgess were critically injured.

The men came to Peddycoart’s home and accused Peddycoart of stealing Johnson’s pit bull. Judd said Johnson was the aggressor, adding that Peddycoart was defending himself and his girlfriend when he fired six times.

Authorities say Johnson’s dog had followed Peddycoart to the Dollar General store on Monday. The dog was later picked up by a 15-year-old boy who took it home.