A Florida police body camera video captures the moment that a cop killed and shot a tiger. The tigress had seized an arm belonging to a cleaner at a zoo and tried to feed and pet it.
River Rosenquist is 26 years old and from Naples. As he shouts in pain, he falls to the ground near the Naples Zoo Tiger enclosure. Please, help me O my goodness! It’s possible! It’s going to be my last!
Collier County sheriff’s deputies tried kicking the enclosure, where Eko, an eight-year-old Malayan tiger, was housed, in an attempt to get the animal to free the worker.
The deputy, believing that he didn’t have any other choices, fired one shot at the Tiger to try and save Rosenquist’s own life after an unsuccessful attempt.
Eko may have been heart-gagging at the moment the fatal shot was fired. He then fled to the rear enclosure, where he later died.
Video from a Florida police officer’s body camera shows how a cop killed and shot a tiger when it took the arm River Rosenquist (26) who had tried to care for it.
Eko (pictured), an 8-year-old Malayan Tiger, was struck by one shot and killed by his deputy on Wednesday night
Deputies were called to the zoo around 6.26pm Wednesday after Rosenquist violated the park’s rules by entering the tiger enclosure.
Preliminary investigation revealed he was supposed to be cleaning the restrooms and gift shop when he decided to enter an unauthorized area of the tiger enclosure and stuck his hand through.
The man appeared to either be feeding the tigers or petting them, which are both illegal and hazardous activities according to police.
Eko grabbed his arm, trying to drag him inside the enclosure. This prompted authorities to intervene.
Video of Rosenquist from Naples bleeding on the floor at Naples Zoo Tiger enclosure. He screams in pain and shouts: “Please help!” Please assist me
Rosenquist was seen to either be feeding or petting the tigers, which are both illegal and potentially dangerous behaviors according to police.
Collier County sheriff’s deputies attempted to remove Eko from the enclosure in an attempt at freeing him. They were unsuccessful in their attempt to rescue Eko.
Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk released the following statement: “Our deputy tried everything possible in that situation, and he finally made the best decision to save his life.”
“This tragic incident occurred at our world-class Zoo facility. Our community relationship with Naples Zoo is valued and they are committed to conservation and education.
Rosenquist was seriously injured during the incident and to a nearby hospital for treatment. He is currently in unknown condition.
Deputies flew over Eko’s enclosure to assess his injuries after the shooting. He was unresponsive.
The veterinarian from the Zoo calmed the Tiger and allowed him to enter the enclosure for treatment.
According to preliminary investigations, Rosenquist wasn’t supposed to have been cleaning the toilets or the gift shop. However, he decided that he wanted to go into the Tiger enclosure unauthorised and reached for his hand.
Deputies flew over Eko’s enclosure to assess his injuries after the shooting. He was unresponsive when they arrived. He died of his injuries, according to a zoo veterinarian.
Collier County Sheriff’s Office and state and federal prosecutors are working together to investigate Rosenquist’s incident and decide whether criminal charges will ever be brought against him. Officials point out that Rosenquist is employed by third-party cleaning services and not as a member of the staff at the Zoo.
Eko died of his injuries, according to the animal veterinarian.
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office is working with state and federal prosecutors to investigate the incident and determine whether criminal charges will be filed against Rosenquist.
Officials point out that the cleaner works for a third party cleaning company and is not an employee of the Zoo.
He is not certain for what company or whether disciplinary actions will be taken.