Current:Home > MyDog attacks San Diego officer who shoots in return; investigation underway -Wealth Momentum Network
Dog attacks San Diego officer who shoots in return; investigation underway
View
Date:2025-04-14 19:11:40
A San Diego police officer shot a dog in the leg after it became aggressive and bit the officer's leg twice.
The incident took place as SDPD officers were responding to complaints of transients creating nuisance in the area near Balboa Park Monday evening around 6:15 p.m., San Diego Police said.
A spokesperson of the San Diego Police told USA TODAY that officers were speaking to two people, a man and a woman, with an unleashed dog, when the dog became agitated and attacked the officer.
The dog, a pitbull, bit the officer twice, prompting the officer to fire two rounds from his service pistol to get the dog off of him, the spokesperson said. The dog, who received a bullet in the leg, ran away. It was found a short time later and transported a veterinary hospital, police said, adding the San Diego Humane Society was also present on scene to assist with the incident.
The dog will later be taken into custody as part of the investigation and will also be assessed for diseases, the spokesperson said.
Officer received wounds on lower leg
The officer, meanwhile, was also transported to a local hospital with wounds on his lower leg.
"He's shaken up from the incident," the spokesperson said, adding that the extent of the officer's injuries were still being assessed.
San Diego Police's Lt. Christian Sharp defended his colleague's actions, telling NBC 7 San Diego: "There is no time for less lethal. This officer is getting chopped down by the dog."
"I mean, he could get significant ligament damage, if not, muscle damage and what not," he added.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing and the two people with the unleashed dog were detained, according to the spokesperson. ABC 10 News reported the police will charge the duo if it is determined they instigated the dog to attack.
No charges have been pressed so far against anyone, the SDPD spokesperson said.
Fatal dog attacks on the rise:Fatal dog attacks are rising – and are hard to predict. But some common themes emerge.
Dog attacks in the US on the rise
In recent years, more and more dogs have bitten, mauled and killed people in America. In the past decade, the number of fatal dog attacks more than doubled, from an average of roughly 40 a year to nearly 100 after the pandemic hit, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, pet owners, lawmakers and animal experts remain divided on how to deal with the issue.
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X @saman_shafiq7.
veryGood! (84)
Related
- US wholesale inflation accelerated in November in sign that some price pressures remain elevated
- Apple announces date for 2024 event: iPhone 16, new Watches and more expected to be unveiled
- Children’s book to blame for fire inside car, North Carolina officials say
- Kelly Ripa Reveals the Bedtime Activity Ruining Her and Mark Consuelos' Relationship
- Rams vs. 49ers highlights: LA wins rainy defensive struggle in key divisional game
- 11th Circuit allows Alabama to enforce its ban on gender-affirming care for minors
- Run to Anthropologie’s Labor Day Sale for Dresses, Accessories & More Starting at $13, and up to 80% Off
- No. 1 Jannick Sinner moves into the third round at the US Open, Hurkacz and Korda ousted
- Why members of two of EPA's influential science advisory committees were let go
- Zappos Labor Day 60% Off Sale: Insane Deals Start at $10 Plus $48 Uggs, $31 Crocs & $60 On Cloud Sneakers
Ranking
- Macy's says employee who allegedly hid $150 million in expenses had no major 'impact'
- 'Incredibly dangerous men': These Yankees are a spectacle for fans to cherish
- Bill Belichick's packed ESPN schedule includes Manningcast, Pat McAfee Show appearances
- Military shipbuilder Austal says investigation settlement in best interest of company
- US wholesale inflation accelerated in November in sign that some price pressures remain elevated
- Postmaster general is confident about ability to process mail-in ballots
- Best Deals Under $50 from Nordstrom’s Labor Day Sale 2024: Save Up to 75% on Free People, Madewell & More
- Tallulah Willis Shares Update on Dad Bruce Willis Amid Health Battle
Recommendation
Realtor group picks top 10 housing hot spots for 2025: Did your city make the list?
Newborn rattlesnakes at a Colorado ‘mega den’ are making their live debut
Police in suburban New York county make first arrest under local law banning face masks
4 killed, 10 injured when passenger van rolls several times in Texas highway crash
Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
Nordstrom Rack Clear the Rack Sale: $9 Heels, $11 Shorts + Up to 94% Off Marc Jacobs, Draper James & More
11th Circuit allows Alabama to enforce its ban on gender-affirming care for minors
Massachusetts man charged after allegedly triggering explosion in his Chicago dorm