On 5/3/2026 at approximately 10:40 hours, officers were called to Speedway located at [ADDRESS REDACTED], Brooklyn Center, Hennepin County for a report of theft and trespassing. The caller, an employee, reported a male inside of the store was stealing merchandise and causing problems. Additionally, he had a large dog with him that he was allowing to run loose in the store. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the employee, who pointed toward a male exiting the store. The male was identified as Zachary Lourence Sheehy, [DOB REDACTED] (now referred to as "Defendant"). Officers told Defendant that the business wanted him trespassed and ran his information.
Officers learned that Defendant had several warrants. While running checks, the officer overheard another ask for assistance on the south side of the gas station. Defendant was seated on the ground with his dog next to a crate, which contained several large rocks that were approximately the size of Defendant's head. Defendant proceeded to pick up the rocks in an aggressive and threatening manner and made statements that included "I'm not going to jail!" and he "was done being abused by cops!" Defendant also stated multiple times that he wanted officers to shoot him and that his dog would protect him.
Based on the size of the rocks and Defendant's behavior, officers were concerned he could cause serious injury if he threw the rocks or struck someone with them. Officers attempted to de-escalate the situation, but Defendant stood up while holding the dog by its leash and a skateboard and continued to ignore verbal compliance orders. At that time, officers deployed a less lethal round, which was ineffective. A taser was also deployed, which was ineffective. Additional rounds of less lethal were deployed, but Defendant continued to refuse to listen to verbal commands to comply with officers.
The Defendant then turned, and officers were effective in taser placement, which caused Defendant to fall to the ground. Officers moved in to take Defendant into custody, but he immediately attempted to get back up and struggled with officers. While trying to take Defendant into custody, the dog bit two officers, one on the hand (Officer 1) and another to their right knee and arm (Officer 2). At that time, another officer discharged their firearm into the dog, which stopped the active biting. The dog later ran off and was located and transported to a local area animal hospital for care.
It was determined the dog's injuries were too grave for the dog to be saved, and the dog was ultimately euthanized. Both officers received medical treatment. One required a surgical procedure and was transported to HCMC. Defendant is currently in custody at the Hennepin County Jail.
