CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter believes there is a criminal element to the case of the dog that was shot in Chaffee by city officials last month.

The Scott County Sheriff's Department investigated complaints from the Elfrink family that claimed their missing dog had been shot by Chaffee police, Walter said. The department turned its findings over to Scott County prosecutor Paul Boyd, who turned the case over to a special prosecutor, his office confirmed Tuesday.

"We just looked at what the complainant had said and looked in to what had possibly been done," Walter said. "We feel a crime has been committed."

Boyd's office would not divulge the name of the special prosecutor, and Walter said he is unaware of any charges being filed.

Shortly after the department concluded its investigation, Chaffee police chief Jim Chambers was fired. Walter said he was unsure why Chambers was let go.

Chambers was fired after a closed city council meeting. Acting police chief Dustin Jarrell declined to comment on the investigation and said he was unsure why Chambers was let go. City council members also declined to comment on Chambers' dismissal Monday.

Pertinent address:

Chaffee, MO