Police officer shoots 2 pit bulls in self-defense

Summary

The owner of two pit bulls was arrested after one of his dogs bit a man's hand on Tuesday night. After the biting, a police officer shot and killed one of the pit bulls and injured the other while trying to stop them from attacking him.

Story Published: Feb 27, 2008 at 12:06 AM PST

Story Updated: Feb 27, 2008 at 9:55 AM PST

Police officer shoots 2 pit bulls in self-defense
SEATTLE -- The owner of two pit bulls was arrested after one of his dogs bit a man's hand on Tuesday night, according to police and fire officials.

Police received a call around 9 p.m. from a man who said he and his dog were attacked by two pit bulls while they were out walking.

Police arrived at the intersection of 24th Avenue SW and SW Trenton to find the dogs roaming around in the street.

When a neighbor came outside to complain about the dogs to police, the dogs began to stalk him.

An officer tried to distract the dogs away from the man. The dogs then turned their attention to the officer and began charging, prompting the officer to open fire.

The officer shot and killed one dog and injured the other.

The bitten dog walker, who is said to be an area resident, was taken to Virginia Mason Medical Center.

The surviving dog was taken by Animal Control officers. He is expected to recover.

Police said they have received several complaints about the dogs in the past.

The owner of the pit bulls is in police custody. It is not known whether he faces any charges.