Wilmington police shoot charging pit bulls, killing one

DELAWARE -- Wilmington police shot two pit bulls, killing one and wounding the other, after the dogs charged the officers on Saturday at noon, authorities said.

The officers were in the area of 17th and Spruce Street for a Toys for Tots event when they responded to help an animal control officer who was on scene in reference to "loose, aggressive pit bulls in the area," according to Sgt. Andrea Janvier.

Photo: JOHN J. JANKOWSKI JR./SPECIAL TO THE NEWS JOURNAL

The two pit bulls exited an alley and charged the officers, forcing them to shoot, she said.

One dog died at the scene, and the other ran away. Police attempted to find the injured dog, but have been unable to do so, she said.

Photo: JOHN J. JANKOWSKI JR./SPECIAL TO THE NEWS JOURNAL

The animal control officer was uninjured, but one of the police officers went to the hospital for a possible eardrum injury due to the sound from the close proximity of the gunfire. He was treated and released, she said.

Animal control will attempt to locate the owners, who are currently unknown, Janvier said.

(The News Journal - Dec 12, 2015)