Tuesday, October 18, 1988

Florida: Officer attacked by a pit bull while trying to serve an arrest warrant

FLORIDA -- A Broward Sheriff`s Office detective who went to a home in Davie on Monday to arrest a man on a probation violation was bitten by a pit bull as five of the animals sprang from the man's yard.

Detective Christopher Dale, 25, was bitten on the left calf by one of the pit bulls, Sheriff`s Office spokesman Al Gordon said. He was treated at Memorial Hospital in Hollywood and released.

Dale had gone to a home in the 5700 block of Southwest 38th Street to arrest Wayne Allen Luno, 25, on a warrant charging him with violation of probation for battery on a law enforcement officer, Gordon said.

When Dale arrived at the home at 5:30 p.m., he went to the front door and began talking to a woman, Gordon said.

As the detective talked with the woman, five pit bulls came running from the back yard, and one bit Dale on the calf. Dale kicked the dog, which then let go of his leg, Gordon said.

The woman at first said the dog was hers, but later said she was taking care of it for a friend. The animal was taken into the custody of Broward County Animal Control and will be kept for 10 days to determine whether it has rabies, Gordon said.

Luno was taken into custody on the warrant and was being held without bail at the Broward County Jail on Monday night, Gordon said. There were no charges in the biting incident, Gordon said.

(Sun Sentinel - October 18, 1988)