FLORIDA -- A pit bull was euthanized Tuesday night after it attacked one deputy and was shot by another.
Deputies Carmen Gallup and Yobanny Valdez went to 9875 SW 41st Ave., Ocala, to arrest Mitchel Cruz on charges of grand theft and burglary of an occupied dwelling.
Cruz, 19, came to the door with a large pit bull and Gallup told him to put the dog away and step outside. Cruz came outside and Valdez was handcuffing him when the dog, named Boomer, ran out of the home and charged at Valdez.
Gallup yelled for Cruz to control the dog and Cruz tried to grab the animal. The dog pounced on Valdez, however, and knocked the officer down and bit him on the leg. The dog backed off
momentarily, then charged at Valdez again.
Gallup shot the animal in the chest. The dog fell back for a moment, then once again attempted to charge Valdez. Cruz grabbed the dog by the collar and dragged him into the home.
Boomer was taken to an emergency pet clinic by others who were present at the home. He was euthanized.
Elaine McClain, a public information specialist for Marion County, said Valdez was bitten on his lower right leg. He was taken to a hospital for treatment and was later released and returned to work.
McClain said there were two cases on file against the dog for running loose in the neighborhood and that the animal was not current on his rabies shot.
Deputies said Cruz did not intentionally release the dog, so no charges will be filed in that regard.
(ocala - June 26, 2013)
