Officer Suffers Bite in Dog Attack

OHIO -- A Zanesville Officer suffered injuries in an early Thursday morning dog attack at a home at 1026 Lee Street.

Captain Tony said Officer Scott Comstock was bitten on his left wrist when a suspect released a pit bull on the officer during a pursuit. The officer was able to fire a shot at the dog, striking it.

"I think you always expect something like that might happen and we see dogs and the officers encounter multiple dogs, but the pit bull is the one we fear the most because it can do the most damage," explained Captain Coury.

The pursuit between the subject and Officer Comstock began after a garage break-in was reported around midnight at 705 Findlay Avenue. The suspect stole a shop vacuum and used it to try and steal quarters from a coin operated car wash on State Street, where he was spotted by Officer Comstock and chased to the Lee Street home.

The suspect hid in the attic area before authorities went up to the attic to get him. The suspect then fell through the ceiling and was arrested.

"They did discuss the case with the Muskingum County Prosecutor Mike Haddox and they are going to pursue felony charges for releasing that dog because the officer got hurt at least one count of felonious assault on a police officer," said Capt. Tony Coury.

The suspect is being held in the Zanesville City Jail. His name won't be released until formal charges are filed.

Zanesvillle Police were assisted by the Muskingum County Sheriff's Office and State Highway Patrol. Officer Comstock could return to work in a week.

Captain Coury said the dog was euthanized by the Muskingum County Dog Warden.

(WHIZ - Sept 5, 2013)