TEXAS -- Jamil Moutran, a former law-enforcement officer, heard three gun shots outside his house this morning.
When he went to investigate he saw an injured sheriff's deputy and blood splattered all over his neighbors yard.
"He appeared to have bite marks and he was limping with his right foot and he had indicated that he had sprained or broke his foot but he was limping he was in a grave amount of pain," Moutran said.
Moutran says the deputy told him he was investigating a burglary in the next-door-neighbors backyard when their dog attacked him.
"He stated that he was left with no other option than to shoot the dog once the dog had locked onto his foot and to his hand. He also stated he tried to get away that he tried to jump over the fence and the dog didn't let go even after being shot once," Moutran said.
Moutran says the deputy told him that he had no other choice.
"The dog became more vicious and chased him as he tried to jump over the fence bit him again would not let go of his foot and at that time he had no other option but to shoot him two more times," Moutran said.
Moutran says the dog which he thinks is a pit bul has never gotten out or attacked anyone that he knew of.
The owners of the dog weren't home at the time of the shooting and Moutran says this is a lose-lose situation for everyone.
"They really love their dog it's a tragic event no one wants to come home to something like this, no dog owner does , but I also emphasize with the officer actions I understand that he had no other alternative but to defend himself," Moutran said.
The El Paso Sheriff's Office says the deputy shot the dog in self-defense.
There's no word on the officer's current condition or whether the dog is still alive.
(KTSM - December 2, 2011)
