The Burlington Police Officer who accidentally shot and killed a woman in January while attempting to put down an attacking dog plans to return to active patrol in the future.
Burlington Police Chief Doug Beaird says that Officer Jesse Hill is still on paid administrative leave, but is checking into the department every day, helping inside the station.
“He’s within the department now…helping with some administrative duties in the evidence room,” Beaird told KBUR after a Burlington City Council meeting, “He’s seeing a licensed psychologist, but once he’s approved to return to active duty, that’s what he’ll do.”
Hill has been on paid leave since the January 6th incident that killed 34 year old Autumn Steele. Hill was responding to a domestic dispute between Steele and her husband when the couples dog apparently attacked Hill. While attempting to shoot the dog with his firearm, Hill slipped on the snow, accidentally firing and hitting Steele in the chest.
Des Moines County Attorney Amy Beavers opted not to file charges against Hill.
Beaird’s comments come as protesters took to the streets of Burlington on Monday. Around a dozen protesters marched through downtown, saying that not charging Hill was the wrong thing to do.
