Crook County SO: Woman shot at boyfriend, hit dog

A rural Crook County woman was arrested Saturday on attempted murder and animal abuse charges, accused of pulling a gun and firing several shots at her live-in boyfriend during an argument, one of which struck and injured one of the couple’s dogs, sheriff’s deputies said.

Deputies were dispatched shortly before 4 p.m. to a report of a domestic dispute and shots fired at 767 Southeast Myrtlewood Lane, in the Juniper Acres area, said Sgt. Travis Jurgens.

Dispatch told responding deputies that Tina Marie Hill, 51, had called to report she’d shot at her boyfriend, Dennis Stewart, 49, Jurgens said.

Deputies also were told Stewart had left the home and returned with another man who was not involved in the incident. They were reported parked at the end of the driveway.

Jurgens said arriving deputies found the two men in a gray Jeep Cherokee at the end of the driveway. Based on the information at hand so far, deputies conducted a high-risk (guns drawn) contact with the men. Once they were detained, deputies went to the home and contacted Hill, again with guns drawn.

An investigation determined the pair had been in an argument when Hill pulled a semi-automatic handgun and fired several rounds at Stewart, one of which hit one of the couple’s dogs. None hit Stewart, Jurgens said.

Hill was arrested and booked into the Crook County Jail in Prineville on charges of attempted murder, first-degree animal abuse, reckless endangering, unlawful use of a weapon and pointing a firearm at another person, jail records showed. Bail totaled $295,000.

The dog was taken by personal vehicle to the Emergency Veterinary Clinic in Bend, Jurgens said, adding that the animal is expected to survive the injuries.

Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the incident, but drugs are a possible factor, though the investigation is still ongoing, he added.