Charging Dog Shot by Officer

Los Angeles: A Los Angeles Police Officer shot a dog after the dog charged him and his partner.

On Thursday, November 15, 2007, at around 6:00 a.m., Rampart Area officers in conjunction with Federal agents were serving a federal arrest warrant in the 500 block of West 57th Street. Officers Justin Stewart and Paul Hendry were assigned to cover the rear of the location.

While guarding the rear of the house, Stewart and Hendry were confronted by the neighbor’s two large pit bull dogs. One of the pit bull dogs charged at the officers, barking and snarling its teeth, causing the officers to believe they were in immediate danger.

Officer Stewart attempted to climb up on a fence while Officer Hendry began to back away from the charging dog. The dog continued to charge toward them and an officer involved shooting occurred, killing the dog.

Los Angeles Animal Control Officers responded to the scene and took custody of the dead dog.

Rampart Division detectives are handling the dog shooting investigation.