Dog shot by police officer at 'Tent City,' authorities say

SOUTH CAROLINA -- An aggressive pit bull was shot by a Greenville County sheriff’s deputy at “Tent City” in Greenville, authorities said today.

The incident occurred at around 3 p.m. Saturday afternoon, according to an incident report.

Deputies responded to the campsite at 900 Pete Hollis Boulevard, home of many members of Greenville’s homeless population, in reference to a disturbance, according to deputy Drew Pinciaro, Sheriff’s Office spokesman.

While searching the campsite for the alleged suspect, one of the deputies was approached by the pit bull, which was not on a leash, Pinciaro said.

The deputy attempted to retreat and yelled at the dog but the animal continued to charge, Pinciaro said. The deputy then fired at and struck the dog, which ran away, he said.

Residents of the area said that the deputies were advised that the dog was aggressive, Pinciaro said.

(Greeneville Online - Dec 30, 2013)