Mom & Son Arrested After Shots Fired, Dog Killed
Mom & Son Arrested After Shots Fired, Dog Killed Save Email Print
Posted: 3:47 AM Sep 26, 2008
 Last Updated: 3:47 AM Sep 26, 2008
 Reporter: Mike Waterhouse
Email Address: mike.waterhouse@wsaz.com
69 comments
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KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- A woman and her son are in jail after troopers say the son fired shots at another man and killed a pit bull during an ongoing argument.

According to the West Virginia State Police, Pamela Doss, 55, drove her son, Grant Timothy Doss, 19, both of Charleston, to Terry Shaffer's home on Emmitt Lane near Dunbar Thursday afternoon. Troopers say their intentions were to continue an argument that started the night before on the telephone.

State Police say Grant Doss entered Shaffer's trailer and hit Shaffer in the face with a semi-automatic pistol. Doss then shot and killed Shaffer's dog in the front yard after he started to bark and growl at him, according to investigators.

Troopers say Doss then fired a shot toward Shaffer as he left the trailer, missing him.

Doss' mother then drove Grant away from the scene before police arrived, but they were stopped a short time later at about 1:00 p.m. on Goff Mountain Road after a Kanawha County Sheriff's Deputy spotted their car. Both were arrested.

Grant Doss is charged with one count of burglary and one count of wanton endangerment with a firearm, while his mother is charged with two counts of accessory.

Bond for Grant was set at $75,000 cash, his mother's at $35,000 cash. Troopers say Grant was already out on bond for three counts of battery and one count of destruction of property from an unrelated incident in Charleston. Both are in the South Central Regional Jail.

Investigators didn't find the gun used in the incident. They say that at the time of the shooting, other adults and children were nearby in the trailer park, but no one was hurt.

Shaffer’s injuries were limited to a busted lip, according to troopers.

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Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 29, 2008 at 04:55 PM
Have we so quickly forgotten about the little girl that mauled by a family pet about a year ago. A grandfather was on the news crying and pleading if people had a pit to get rid of them. This dog, like so many others that I have been around, was just a big baby. One minute the dog is playing just fine with the little girl (i think she was 4)and the next the dog is mauling her. Who knows maybe the little girl stumpled and stepped on the dog's tail or foot. Something as innocent as that cost that family a grandchild. My mom had a pit when I was younger and they just thought the world and all of this dog. While I was home one weekend, I squatted down to pet him as I always did, only this time I was met w/ a growl. My hand went to my throat just in case he did snap maybe I could get my hand down his throat before he could get ahold of mine. I'm not saying that he should have shot the dog because the dog was just reacting instinctively, he was protecting his territory and pack.
Posted by: Debbie on Sep 29, 2008 at 11:46 AM
to Chris and the rest of you, if the dog had threatened them under different circumstances, I'd agree, but they went on this guy's property and assaulted him before the dog growled, they had no right to be there. Too bad the dog didn't get them. Like I said, if it were me, they'd best never rest again.
Posted by: Hmmmm..... on Sep 28, 2008 at 07:32 PM
Throw away the key, these two are obviously dangers to society.
Posted by: david on Sep 28, 2008 at 02:43 PM
In Ohio now, thanks to new laws, if any of you come in my house to bust my lip, you probably shouldnt worry about my dog lol.
Posted by: Sue on Sep 28, 2008 at 01:01 PM
This is terrible! The poor dog, they should be locked up!!!! What kind of a Mother is she to help her son do something like this? Mothers are supposed to teach their childern better than this!!!!
Posted by: warden on Sep 28, 2008 at 10:46 AM
why werent they charged with killing a innocent animal? or better yet charged with cruelty with animals. i guess our system does not have a heart.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 28, 2008 at 01:17 AM
doesnt it say the guy that shot the dog was on the dogs propety? Come argue with me on my property and I bet my BOXER..who is great with everyone, will bark and growl at you too. I dont care what kind of dog it is, dogs are protective, and he did what was his natural instinct... protect his home. So he should have be shot and killed? He was on his property!
Posted by: JC on Sep 27, 2008 at 08:38 PM
Yeah, chows are also one of the 5 dangerous dogs that must be insured because of the stats of high attacks. Dobermans, Rotts, Pitts, Chows and German Shepeards are the dogs. Why would anyone want a pit, a dog that cannot be stopped if it's mind did snap. These dogs are known to snap and not just because their owners made them that way. They are KNOWN to snap, hence the reason for the insurance. Because these dogs are known to snap, they should not be kept in public areas where others are exposed. That is selfish to put your desire to have this pet before the life of someone. I am not saying they need to be killed, but there is no need to take a chance. They should not be allowed in the City.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 27, 2008 at 05:38 PM
to Anonymous on Sep 27, 2008 at 10:07 AM, Who are you talking about god made some stupid people? If your talking about anon. and their opinion about carrying the gun, then why are they stupid. Why are you getting on here calling people names? Why so defensive on the matter? I know thugs that have stolen guns right out of the owners car before. The owner did have a permit to carry the gun but now thanks for that gun being there in the car legally, made it a little easier for the thug to get their hands on the gun. Just because somebody has a diffent opinion than you, does not make them stupid.
Posted by: Dear Nubbie on Sep 27, 2008 at 03:59 PM
Come tell my daughter that a dog cant hurt anyone. You probably wont get an answer unless you look up to heaven. She doesnt have a voice anymore because of a stupid pitt bull. After reading all of these comments about people letting their children sleep with these pitts. Just remember, you never know when theyre going to snap. The dog that took my childs life was also a lap/family dog and then he turned. Nothing short of a Smith and Wesson would make him turn loose of her. So, Nubbie, yes, animals are just that, they are animals and they do hurt people and kill them.
Posted by: nubbie on Sep 27, 2008 at 02:54 PM
i do not understand why anybody would shot a dog. people can take care of themselfs but a dog cant hurt nobody. they should shoot the boy like he shot the dog. an eye for an eye. i don't no why the mom didn't stop her son. what kind of mother does that?
Posted by: someone that knows on Sep 27, 2008 at 02:05 PM
It probably won't make the news but you were all correct, this young man posted bail yesterday, then went straight to the house of the original complainant and pistol whipped her in the face again. He was then re-arrested last night by the state police and is currently in jail awaiting a bond hearing....check it out... It's all true. The justice system in Kanawha county is a joke
Posted by: samm on Sep 27, 2008 at 12:36 PM
I have 3 pound chihuahua that will attack and bite anyone.
Posted by: April on Sep 27, 2008 at 10:12 AM
"Bond for Grant was set at $75,000 cash, his mother's at $35,000 cash. Troopers say Grant was already out on bond for three counts of battery and one count of destruction of property from an unrelated incident in Charleston." Honestly do you people who get on here and just rant and rave about our judicial system eve read the entire story? He was already out on bond for something else!!! Make a little sense as to why his NEXT bond would be set higher??????????
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 27, 2008 at 10:07 AM
Hey Anonymous ...I bet this idiot didn't have a permit to carry a concealed weapon....GET IT?????? He wasn't ALLOWED he was BREAKING THE LAW. God made some people pretty stupid.
Posted by: Chris on Sep 27, 2008 at 10:02 AM
I know Ill get alot of bad responses to saying this but I cant stand VOL. Fireman! They have there little lights in there cars and drive 90 mph to go to a call that a cat is in a tree. I was in a fender bender and they sent 3 trucks out even the officer asked them "what are you all doing bringing 3 trucks? I know it is nice of them to Vol,, but most do it so they can drive 90 mph and blair there sirens in parades.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 27, 2008 at 09:54 AM
i agree with debbie for no bail for the parents that tormented those little kids people dont let this go i think we art to protest
Posted by: Shocked on Sep 27, 2008 at 09:14 AM
Mom looks like a sweet caring lady. Just someone i would want to be grandma to my kids
Posted by: Dunbar on Sep 27, 2008 at 09:11 AM
These people must have a problem, to go to someones house already with a gun. They had every intention to use it. A fine example of a mother. They will get more time then the good dr who allowed his grandson to be abused and murdered. Mark my word.
Posted by: Reader on Sep 27, 2008 at 09:09 AM
Can someone please explain to me why the torture of children is LESS important than a dead dog? Can we not get the laws changed to protect CHILDREN MORE? Don't get me wrong, I am an animal lover, but children ARE more important than dogs. Please feel free to correct me if I am wrong?
Posted by: yee haw junction on Sep 27, 2008 at 08:58 AM
19 year old pos. walk into my house like that and i put one between your eyes. i hope someone shoots you before you commit a murder.
Posted by: Dave T on Sep 27, 2008 at 08:35 AM
Listen people chows bite more than pits do, The vet told me. This dog didnt even do anything it was barking cause this Coward had to bring a gun and shoot at its owner. I have a pit and it is afraid of my neighbors pug (no joke) The pits that are mean are usually owned by thugs who mistreat them. I have had 3 pits now and not one of them have bit anybody!
Posted by: Brian on Sep 27, 2008 at 08:27 AM
You people who bash Pitbulls you know nothing about them but what you hear on the news! I have a pit and it sleeps with my 10 year old daughter everynight. It has never snaped at anyone or bit anyone. So stop with ur crap about they all need killed. Try coming to my house and kill my pitt and I promise you a long hospital stay will be in your future!
Posted by: MrObvious on Sep 27, 2008 at 03:33 AM
"Hope this mother and son team are NRA members!" What a stupid comment? Are you on drugs Charles Carroll?
Posted by: TO CHRIS 9:18am on Sep 26, 2008 at 11:50 PM
IN MY OPINION YOU NEED KILLED! HOW ABOUT THAT!! IDIOT!
Posted by: TO STEVE on Sep 26, 2008 at 11:47 PM
LET ME KILL YOUR DOG! NO BIGGIE! RIGHT? YOUR A IDIOT!!
Posted by: TO HAPPY CITIZEN on Sep 26, 2008 at 11:44 PM
I AM A FIRM BELIEVER THAT YOUR A IDIOT AND YOU NEED KILLED!
Posted by: JC on Sep 26, 2008 at 11:35 PM
I do not agree with shooting this animal unless it was attacking, but there is a difference when you are attacking the owner and then you get attacked by the dog. Either way, you will probably die from a pit because you can't get lose. You can get lose from a cocker spaniel. These dogs are dangerous and should not be in a neighborhood or trailer park. Plus, if you own this type of dog, then I hope you know the amount of insurance you are required to carry on it. It is classified as one of the most dangerous dogs and, along with 4 other breeds, are required to be covered by insurance. I don't like to take chances and I don't want anything in my house that I cannot control. If a pit decides to attack, you will not stop it unless you have a gun, and even then, because of the thickness of their skull, you will have trouble stopping it. Even if you dog hasn't bitten anyone YET, it could still snap and there won't be a thing you can do about it. Let's remember the Fleeman child.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 26, 2008 at 11:33 PM
if the sun was trying to protect its owner it should not have been shot.
Posted by: Shana on Sep 26, 2008 at 11:29 PM
Are you kidding me?... Have an argument,destroy a dog, Bond: $75,000.00. Destroy your childrens lives by locking them in a room and not feeding them, Bond: $5000.00. This just proves how "Messed Up" our court system is.... Only in America!
Posted by: To Heather on Sep 26, 2008 at 11:26 PM
Why does it have to be a "black" dog?
Posted by: Denise on Sep 26, 2008 at 10:51 PM
To all of you who are happy about the death of the Pit Bull. Do me a favor and research about these wonderful dogs before you state what you dont know about yes some pit bulls attack but so do all dogs. A pit bull is an attacker if they are raised that way. I have 4 pit bulls and i have 3 kids and they are the best pets i have ever owned. I bet if it was a poodle or a Lab that was shot you ppl would be like oh the poor dog but if you do research about the temepments of breeds you will find that pit bulls get a better score that Labs do so check your facts and shut your mouths.
Posted by: cc on Sep 26, 2008 at 10:30 PM
You people cannot be serious. these people are a menace to society. Did you not read the part about this thug being out on bond for other charges. His mother needs to be locked up for child neglect. He had to learn this behavior somewhere. I think wee all know where he got his education.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 26, 2008 at 05:08 PM
To the morons commenting on pit bulls: I have a 9 year old pit bull who has never bit, mauled or killed anyone or anything. The pit bulls you often read about that have attacked someone were either miss treated prior to the attack or they were attempting to protect its owner. More people are bit by crocker spaniels each year than any other dog. Don't take the spot light off of a thug and a mother who failed to raise her son properly. If the thug had not come to the residence you would probably never had heard a negative story about this particular pit bull. Thug Life --- LOL
Posted by: cowboy on Sep 26, 2008 at 04:57 PM
grant doss would have got a 45 slug if he had done that to me or my dog.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 26, 2008 at 04:30 PM
Yeah, and people get upset at the mention of not being able to carry a concealed weapon with a permit. I don't think anybody but law enforcement officers should be allowed to carry a gun around like that. Just my opinion.
Posted by: Happy citizen on Sep 26, 2008 at 04:16 PM
Thank God another Pitt bull is dead! My daughter was viciously mauled by a pitt bull and i am a firm believer that these dogs need killed.
Posted by: Steve on Sep 26, 2008 at 04:14 PM
It's just a dog. We have more important matters at hand in this country!
Posted by: j.d. on Sep 26, 2008 at 04:13 PM
hee-haw wv
Posted by: Paul on Sep 26, 2008 at 04:11 PM
Only in West Virginia!! lol
Posted by: DEBBIE on Sep 26, 2008 at 04:06 PM
I CAN'T BELIEVE THEY HAVE BAIL LIKE THAT FOR A DOG AND PISTOL WHIPPING A MAN. DON'T GET ME WRONG I LOVE DOGS AND I SURE FEEL FOR THE MAN WHO WAS HIT AND JUSTICE NEEDS TO BE SERVED BUT GOOD GRIEF WHERE IS THE HIGH BAIL OR BETTER YET NO BAIL FOR THE MONSTERS WHO TORMENTED THOSE CHILDREN!!!!!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 26, 2008 at 03:59 PM
: Melinda, I think you need to go back and read the whole story again. He didn't shoot the dog accidently. Where did you see that? *Doss then shot and killed Shaffer's dog in the front yard after he started to bark and growl at him, according to investigators.* It doesn't matter what the argument was about, you don't go into somebodies house w/ a gun and hit the guy and then turn around and shoot the guys dog. B/S. He's lucky they called 911 instead of .357. Melinda, you really shouldn't be calling somebody stupid, because the comment that you made about somebody shouldn't have animals because they are the one's getting killed is pretty rediculous.
Posted by: Stacy on Sep 26, 2008 at 02:30 PM
I would like to know why he wasnt' charged for killing the dog. I'm glad the man didn't get killed, but why would he not be charged with killing the dog. You kill my dog, and you must not value your own life very much. Charge him with the slaying of an animal.
Posted by: norma on Sep 26, 2008 at 12:34 PM
These two scanks need locked up for a long time and animal abuse charges need to be added.
Posted by: tara on Sep 26, 2008 at 12:27 PM
yeah they need to stay in jail for the right to not kill someone i think it is stupid that they kill a pit pull witch they should of not done. they need to stay in jail that was stupid to me.
Posted by: cosmo on Sep 26, 2008 at 11:10 AM
well there it is, 75,000 bond for burglary and attempt murdered with fire arm, but 5,000 bond for neglect 4 children which could have died. I bet the bond was set high because of that dumb dog.
Posted by: newshound on Sep 26, 2008 at 10:52 AM
Out on bond huh????seems if they would just build more jails and keep the thugs locked up we would have less crime in the world..
Posted by: Melinda on Sep 26, 2008 at 10:46 AM
OK I DIDN'T FEEL SORRY FOR THIS GUY UNTIL YOU READ THE WHOLE STORY AND HEAR HE HAD AN ARGUEMENT AND ACCIDENTALLY SHOT THE DOG, I'M SURE OR ATLEAST I HOPE HE DIDN'T MEAN TO KILL THE DOG. WHAT DID THIS OTHER GUY DO THAT MADE HIM SHOOT AT HIM. PEOPLE THAT ARE STUPID DO NOT NEED ANIMALS, BECAUSE THEY ARE THE ONES GETTING KILLED.
Posted by: tara on Sep 26, 2008 at 10:44 AM
that is soo stupid that the boy that is 19 year's old killed the pit bull...and is mom was right with him that is so stupid they did that they sould be in jail for something like that.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 26, 2008 at 10:35 AM
I'm so glad no one was killed. These two crazy idiots need to be locked away and have the keys thrown away. Fine example of a mother she is! Even animals are better mothers than this sicko. Someone kills my dog they are going to get it! Bet it will eventually be revealed that drugs are somehow involved. This entire situation sounds rather suspicious.
Posted by: Heather on Sep 26, 2008 at 10:11 AM
This is unrelated to the story, but there is a vicous black dog on my street that attacked a small girl and HPD done NOTHING when they were called about 6-7 times on Wednesday
Posted by: anonymous on Sep 26, 2008 at 10:03 AM
whats it gonna take to keep this guy behind bars, murder?
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 26, 2008 at 10:02 AM
What is wrong w/ people to think they can just go into somebodies home like that and start pistol whipping somebody? Is this punk on drugs or what?
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 26, 2008 at 09:55 AM
If the kid was already out on bond for violent acts, I would think they would hold him without bond after this.
Posted by: Chris on Sep 26, 2008 at 09:18 AM
I don't think anyone should be punished for killing a pit bull! These dogs have attacked/killed/mauled countless children, kill them all I say!
Posted by: Beth Ann on Sep 26, 2008 at 09:17 AM
I am glad they caught who ever done this and I am glad that Terry Shaffer is ok. I am sorry about his dog.
Posted by: marcy on Sep 26, 2008 at 09:04 AM
THIS IS AWFUL!!! THE SYSTEM FAILED THE 4 LITTLE GIRLS WHOSE PARENTS LOCKED THEM IN A ROOM FOR 6 MONTHS WITH NO FOOD, BUT... LET SOMEONE HARM A DOG AND LOOK AT THE PUBLICITY AND THE AMOUNT OF THE BOND. COME ON AMERICA WHERE IS THE JUSTICE IN THIS SITUATION? 4 HUMAN LITTLE GIRLS AND THEY ARE ON THE NEWS FOR 15 SECONDS. LETS JUST FORGET ABOUT THEM BECAUSE IT IS TOO HARD TO HEAR ABOUT. IT MIGHT UPSET SOMEONE WHO IS WATCHING TV. WELL IT'S TIME TO LISTEN TO ALL THE NEWS AND ITS TIME FOR THE NEWS TO CONTINUE ON A SITUATION LIKE THIS WITH UPDATES EVERY DAY. I READ MOST OF THE COMMENTS ON THE LITTLE GIRLS AND NONE OF THE COMMENTS WHERE EVEN ADDRESSED. GO BACK AND READ THEM AND MAKE A STORY OUT OF THAT INSTEAD OF THE DOG AND SOME MAN WHO PASSES GAS. GET REAL WSAZ AND STICK TO YOUR ABILITY TO SHARE ALL THE NEWS. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN OUR LEGAL SYSTEM IN WV AND AMERICA. LET GET BACK TO REAL JUSTICE FOR ALL.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 26, 2008 at 08:53 AM
WOW!!! what a good parent. I bet your son will go far in life.
Posted by: sylvia on Sep 26, 2008 at 08:51 AM
I thank that most of these people like this needs to be in jail for a really long time and i thank that was a very wrong thing to do to that man and the dog both and i thank they are going to need some kind of help.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 26, 2008 at 08:38 AM
to bad Shaffer didnt have a firearm to avenge his dogs death
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 26, 2008 at 08:28 AM
Why was he not charged for killing the dog?
Posted by: Pablo on Sep 26, 2008 at 08:25 AM
Ah, modern day Hatfield and McCoy battle shaping up. Lets capitalized on it and make it into a tourist attraction.
Posted by: Melinda on Sep 26, 2008 at 08:13 AM
Why not an animal abuse charge also? I mean he did shoot and kill the dog according to the story.
Posted by: Joe on Sep 26, 2008 at 07:45 AM
why did these peoples fines go so high whn the sick people of those por children only got a fine of 5,000 doesnt make since to me. i guess child neglect isnt as bad as what these people have done, either way these two should get whats coming to them.all this over pety b/s and the mother should have been adult and talked to her son rather than adding fule to it,
Posted by: Debbie on Sep 26, 2008 at 07:21 AM
Some real high class folks there, if anyone comes to my home and kills anyone or animal in my family, they best never rest again.
Posted by: Chris on Sep 26, 2008 at 07:18 AM
What Scum!! Go to someone's house and kill there dog. Sounds like this Scum needs a little prison time, then lets see how tough he is!!
Posted by: Jeff on Sep 26, 2008 at 07:01 AM
Stupid is as stupid does....
Posted by: charles carroll on Sep 26, 2008 at 06:58 AM
Hope this mother and son team are NRA members !
Posted by: Jenn on Sep 26, 2008 at 05:48 AM
These 2 need to be in jail. For the reason they should not have went to someone else's home. They had no right to do that. They make courts to settle things if they are that bad. These 2 need locked up before they do kill someone.
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