OK, I have to post -- First timer here!
I was truly disturbed by this story. I am usually one to stick up for cops, but not this time. I read the story in the paper, it tore me apart to read it -- but none the less I try to justify the police as they have a difficult job -- but I have to tell you -- I was so bothered by this story, I got some flowers, i went to the Mattia house on 231 to give them a tree (to plant on behalf of Max) and potted flowers. After having a conversation with them, I have come to beleive that Officer Christopher Long of the Charles COunty Sherriffs office is One million percent in the wrong. These kind people have pictures of what this officer did and it is horrific. The dog never ever once extend his chain to the fullest extent possible, there is a trail wherein you can see that the dog tried to get away from the officer, not one spot of the very many blood stains is any length of distance from the house. This officer shot Max 7 count 7 times, he nearly decapitated the dog. The dog rested two feet from the Mattias door. The Officers bullets made the dogs choker colloar explode off Max's neck, his teeth were blown out of his mouth, please now come on, this was necessary. The abmulance refused to transport hte deputy because there was no visble wounds on him. These kind people have pictures that are so graphic and horrific, you can only feel the pain that they are going through. and itsbob-- I dont know if you are aware of the fact that this police officer Christopher Long has apparently done this two two other dogs, which makes this his third dog killing! Sorry, can blame the family on this one. And yes, one usually would say, well if there is a warrant to be served, there is usually a certain kind of criteria that people fit under and once again the Mattias do not fit on the criteria. These are hard working honest people that just want justice served. Number one the warrant was for a person that does not reside at the house. Number two the officer knew Max (by name) as he has been to the property on a few occassions for people dumping stolen dirt bikes or atvs in the pond which sits along the property (no bob not for anyting that these people have done wrong), and number three--after seeing the pictures you have no doubt in your mind that the officer is wrong wrong wrong. He needs to be removed off the streets. I know I am jumping around here, but I am so bothered by some of the comments, I just want to put everything I know out there as none of what I am saying is heresay or reading I actually stopped and talked to these nice people. Do you know that on the sidewalk just two feet from the steps where Max was shot -- there is chucks of concrete out of the ground from the bullets. Do you know that every day when they walk out there door there is a blood stained walkway where Max laid?
So itsbob and everyone else that thinks just because a warrant had to be issued, makes the Mattia any less of people, think twice, first off it was a child support warrant, not a murder warrant, it was not a felony crime or anything that required this kind of behavior (if there is any justification for this kind of behavior). A innocent dog died at the hands of a very cruel person and I am sorry to say, but I am ashamed to have Officier Christopher Long as a deputy sherriff in my county and I think he should be terminated from his position. I hope that an attorney will take the Mattia's case pro bono and make the county pay for a person that should not be on the force.
And one more thing, the Mattia said that Max was a regular at the Veterans Home, ohhhhh that makes for a mean dog doesnt it!
: I thought I had ya figured out 
You are doing the right thing in pursuing this, stay tough. Please dismiss the ignorance & spiteful comments of a few on these boards. Perhaps they have not yet experienced the true bonding that many share with their pet. Best wishes in your pursuit of justice, I hope in time the pain you feel will subside.
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