Jury selection is set to begin in the case of an Essex, Vt., police officer charged with shooting and killing a neighbor’s dog while off duty.
Thirty-five-year-old Michael Wootton of Waterville has pleaded not guilty to a cruelty to animals for shooting the 80-pound mixed-breed after it attacked his 20-pound dog.
The jury draw is due to begin Monday in Hyde Park.
Last month a judge denied a request by Wootton to dismiss the charge.
Wootton’s attorney Frank Twarog tells the Burlington Free Press that in general plea deals are often struck just before cases go to trial. He wouldn’t speak to Wootton’s case.
After the April shooting, the Essex Police Department placed Wootton on administrative duties.
Note: Information for this report came from The Burlington Free Press