Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Animal Control officials said they've responded to problems with the dogs involved in this incident a few times in the past year and a half. Now, the owner is at a Lee County mental health facility, and his other two dogs are at the shelter.

FLORIDA -- Animal Control officials said they've responded to problems with the dogs involved in this incident a few times in the past year and a half. Now, the owner is at a Lee County mental health facility, and his other two dogs are at the shelter.


One of the dogs is named "Rough," and the other is "Bell." The two dogs are now without an owner after Animal Control took them out of their Bell Street home, but officials say they may be better off.

Monday night, Fort Myers Police responded to Warren Patterson II's home to investigate a possible burglary and sex offense. Police say he wouldn't come out of the house, and when officers opened the door, three large dogs lunged at them. One officer, who felt his life was in danger, fired shots at the pit bull-rotweiler mix and killed him.

Neighbor Frank Washington said he's not surprised the aggressive dog made a move.

"No, I wasn't because anytime he let them out, they jump on somebody," said Washington.

Animal Control officers say they've responded to issues with Patterson's dogs three times in the past year and a half. Washington said he's seen the deceased dog, named "Danger," attack before.

"When he let the dogs out, and the kids walk down the street, the dog would jump on the kids," said Washington.

Patterson alledgely told officers he trained his dogs to attack.


As for "Rough" and "Bell," they'll stay at Domestic Animal Services for at least five days. Then, officials will see if they can adopt them out to loving homes.

Patterson was taken into custody and then Baker-acted at Lee Mental Health Services. Officers found guns and several other weapons inside his home.

(winknews - April 30, 2013)