Former Thiensville police officer will not face charges after allegedly shooting 1 dog multiple times, killing another

Instead, he faces a citation for up to $500.

Ranger's story begins with a night he was not expected to survive. Today, he’s a dog with a home, a family, and a second chance.

“Basically starving and suffering from infection from his gunshot wounds,” said Danielle Dietz, who adopted Ranger. 

Ranger CBS 58

Richard McCormick was an active Thiensville police officer back in April, when he encountered two dogs on N. Cedarburg Road and Green Bay Road. Body camera video from that night shows McCormick fired 16 shots, killing one dog and injuring Ranger.

“Hiding behind the words of aggression or feeling a threat is a pretty -- in my opinion, cowardly way to hide behind what you did,” said Dietz. “I'm furious. I'm enraged.”

Deitz and Alicia Hegedus gave Ranger a new home, but they’re now hoping to give him justice.

Court documents from the Ozaukee County District Attorney's Office reveal McCormick will not face a criminal charge. A memo from District Attorney Benjamin Lindsay states prosecutors would have a hard time proving McCormick didn’t act in self-defense.

“He absolutely intended on causing cruelty that ended in death. I don't understand why he’s receiving some low-level citation,” said Dietz.

Instead, McCormick could face a $500 fine.

“I do believe that the DA showed no compassion when he made his decision, and I also feel that he let down the people of Thiensville,” said Hegedus.

Deitz and Hegedus say Ranger still has a road to recovery ahead, filled with therapy and surgeries. They created a GoFundMe to help with the costs.