Ark. Police Officer Dies after Medical Issue Following Animal Complaint

An Arkansas police officer died after suffering a medical emergency responding to an animal complaint last month.

Shannon Hills Police Officer Michael "Cain" Maxheimer, 39, had helped a motorist move a disabled vehicle off the road Dec. 18 when he got a call concerning a report of a vicious complaint, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page. During the call, he encountered two German Shepherds, and one of the dogs started to charge at him. Maxheimer was getting ready to shoot the charging animal when both dogs ran into the woods. 

When Maxheimer returned to the station, he began feeling nauseated and experiencing chest pains. He was taken to the hospital, and he died Dec. 19.

"Cain was an extraordinary young man who loved his job and was a dedicated law enforcement officer with Shannon Hills," his obituary stated.

Maxheimer began his law enforcement career at the Benton Police Department, according to his obituary. He also served with the Bauxite and Alexander police departments, as well as the Saline County, Hot Springs and Johnson County sheriff's offices.

"His long history of law enforcement molded him into the man he became," the obituary stated.