Update: On February 15th, the Broken Arrow Police Department announced Officer William Roy Golden resigned from his position.

The criminal proceedings against Mr. Golden are ongoing in Wagoner County.

Golden was charged with felony Cruelty to Animals and misdemeanor Acts Resulting in Gross Injury/Outraging Public Decency. The charges stem from a 2023 incident in which Golden allegedly pepper-sprayed and tased a dog.

The incident was caught on video by the officer’s neighbor.

Golden is due in court for a preliminary hearing on May 1st, 2024.

Read the statement from Broken Arrow Police Chief Brandon Berryhill here

Original Story: A Broken Arrow police officer has been charged in relation to a viral video of his interaction with a dog at his home.

According to the neighbor who witnessed and recorded the incident, the officer was in his driveway preparing for his shift when an English Bulldog named Rusty jumped into the officer’s patrol vehicle.

According to court documents, Officer William Roy Golden is accused of tasing the bulldog eight times. He is also accused of pepper-spraying and striking Rusty on the head.

According to an affidavit, Officer Golden faces a felony charge of Cruelty to Animals and a misdemeanor charge of Acts Resulting in Gross Injury/Outraging Public Decency.

District 27 District Attorney Jack Thorp, who represents Wagoner County, told KRMG the misdemeanor charge is in relation to Mr. Golden allegedly unholstering his service weapon during the incident.

The affidavit revealed Golden was interviewed after the incident and said he didn’t know why he pulled his gun, but that he was angry and frustrated at the time.

The Broken Arrow Police Department said Officer Golden is on administrative leave and that an internal investigation into the incident would be paused until the resolution of the criminal case.

Read the full statement from BAPD below:

“The Broken Arrow Police Department is aware that the Wagoner County District Attorney’s Office has filed one felony charge and one misdemeanor charge against Broken Arrow Police Officer William Roy Golden as a result of the Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office criminal investigation into the officer’s actions with a dog outside city limits.

The allegations are serious, and we are committed to fully cooperating with the District Attorney’s Office. The Office of Professional Standards’ internal investigation is ongoing, however, at the request of the District Attorney we are delaying the conclusion of our internal investigation pending the outcome of the criminal case. Officer Golden remains on administrative leave, in accordance with department policy and the collective bargaining agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police.

We share the community’s concern and appreciate your understanding that due process is necessary and takes time to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation. Ultimately, the internal investigation will conclude and determine if the actions taken are aligned with our core values of courage, integrity, professionalism, accountability, and compassion. The findings of the internal investigation will be forwarded to the Office of the Chief of Police and City Manager for review.”

District 27 District Attorney Jack Thorp provided the following statement to KRMG:

“I am thankful for the cooperation of BAPD and the investigation of the Wagoner County Sheriff. After reviewing the investigative materials and after providing my office requested supplemental information, I authorized the charges this morning. At this time the matter is still “under investigation.” Mr. Golden is presumed innocent and that presumption remains until and if the charges are proved by proof beyond a reasonable doubt.”

Listen to KRMG’s exclusive interview with District Attorney Jack Thorp