Davidson police officer, woman injured in dog attack

NORTH CAROLINA -- A Davidson police officer was taken to the hospital Thursday after he tried to help a woman being attacked by a dog.

The officer, who has not been identified, suffered bite wounds to the hand and face. The woman was also injured, but it was unclear how severely.

Police tell WBTV two women were walking their dogs on Caldwell Lane when the animals began to fight. Police say one dog started attacking one of the women.



Sgt. Steve Ingram says one of his officers just happened to be driving by.

"The officer was just riding by when he saw this incident unfolding. So instinctively, he got out of the car to try and provide aid," Ingram said.

Ingram says at that point the dog turned on him and the officer was forced to shoot the the animal.

"He did everything to try not to shoot the animal,” Ingram said, “and he was left with no other choice at that point."

Both the officer and the woman are expected to be okay.

Jessie Brewer lives in the neighborhood. "We walk our dogs here every day,” Brewer said. “It's a friendly neighborhood. Dogs are friendly to each other, so it's kind of surprising to hear."

Kim Owens, co-owner of NoDa Bark and Board in Charlotte, said “it's crazy that the dog had to be shot. (But) It was probably an avoidable situation."

Owens says there are things to do if pet owners find themselves in similar situations, including grabbing the dog's haunches to pull them out of the incident. But if you have an aggressive dog, she says never give them the opportunity to fight.

"Take yourself away from that situation, especially if you may have a stroller and have kids with you,” Owens said. “Cross the street.”

(Charlotte Observer - ‎Oct 29, 2015)