Ohio's pit bull problem: Pit bulls attack officer, neighbor

OHIO -- Two dogs charged and attacked an officer of the Bellefontaine Police Department and a neighbor who had come to assist him on Saturday evening.

Officer Michael A. Loehr responded to 402 W. Sandusky Ave. at about 4:45 p.m. Saturday where one pit bull was reported running loose in the neighborhood. The dog was located at 412 W. Sandusky where another adult male pit bull was tied to the home.

The second dog charged the officer, breaking free of its restraint.

A neighbor, Matthew A. Kerns, 45, attempted to aid Officer Loehr, but was bitten twice on the legs by the dogs. The officer used pepper spray on the dogs and was also bitten on the leg below the knee.

Officer Loehr was able to tie the loose end of the second dog’s leash to a tree before a backup officer arrived and helped contain the first dog with a dog-catching pole.

The dogs’ owner Paul E. Dick, 35, of 412 W. Sandusky Ave., returned home shortly after the confrontation and accused officers of provoking the dogs. He was cited for allowing dogs to run at large.

(Bellefontaine Examiner - Aug 24, 2015)