FLORIDA -- Authorities looking for a murder suspect say they were forced to open fire on two pit bulls in Opa-Locka Sunday night after the suspect unleashed them.
One dog was killed and the other was okay after an officer opened fire in the 1100 block of Peri Street around 10 p.m. as a U.S. Marshals task force was trying to arrest the suspect.
"As we were making entry into the house, there were some loose pit bulls that charged and attacked one of the officers. It caused the officer to fire, injuring the pit bull," said Sgt. Gerardo De Los Rios. "We were able then to take the subject into custody without injuries to the subject or any officers."
Police arrested19-year-old Antonio Fountain, who was wanted for the murder of Herbert Charles gross, who was kiled in April.
Opa Locka Police arrested two parents and a juvenile on obstruction of justice charges, but their names have not been released.
"It was a mutual task force with the U.S. Marshals and City of Miami and it was a subject being looked for in reference to a possible homicide, De Los Rios said.
Neighbors in the area were startled by the shooting and surprised to hear a dangerous suspect was in their midst.
"If he killed someone, he can kill someone else or my family," said neighbor Tania Perez.
(NBC Miami - June 13, 2011)
