Georgia: Police drug agent shoots and kills pit bull during attack

GEORGIA -- A pit bull has been shot dead and an Albany-Dougherty Drug Unit officer is nursing his wounds after the dog attacked him during a raid on North Cleveland Street home Monday morning.

Shortly before 10 a.m., officers entered the home to perform the search warrant after they received a tip that the owners were selling painkillers.

Sandra Goines

Alexander Goines

While officers were giving orders to clear the home, the dog attacked Agent Ben Persley, biting him on the back of the thigh. He used his standard issue .22 caliber gun to shoot one bullet, killing the dog.

Persley was taken to the hospital while his team continued the search where they found a small amount of pain pills, weed residue, and baggies containing weed residue.

Homeowners Alexander Goines and Sandra Goines were arrested and charged with possession of dangerous drugs and possession of drugs not in original container.

John Brookins, who was inside the home during the raid, was also arrested due to an outstanding warrant for probation violation.

Alexander Goines’ stepfather says he doesn’t agree with how the search was handled because kids were in the home at the time of the shooting and they could’ve been injured.

ADDU officials confirm kids were home at the time but they’re unsure of what room they were in at this time. Persley was given stitches and released from Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital and will remain on desk duty while he heals.

The Albany Police Department is performing a routine Internal Affairs investigation, which has to be done any time an officer’s weapon is discharged, and will determine if Persley’s actions are deemed necessary.

(WFXL FOX 31 - Nov 11, 2013)