PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Three Philadelphia police officers have been placed on administrative duty in connection with the fatal shootings of two dogs in separate incidents about a week apart, authorities said in a news release Friday.
Incident No. 1
Two officers from the 17th Precinct responded to a call of a dog attack at a home on the 1600 block of South Dover Street in South Philadelphia on May 23, just after 4 a.m.
Police said they saw a 67-year-old man try to separate a Pitbull and a small Pomeranian, after which the Pitbull bit a sergeant on the left arm. The first officer fired two shots, hitting the Pitbull, and police said the sergeant fired one shot, also hitting the dog. It is not specified whether the sergeant shot the Pitbull or the Pomeranian.
Authorities said the Pitbull and Pomeranian were pronounced dead at the scene.
The sergeant was taken by medics to Presbyterian Hospital and is expected to be OK. He was treated for bite wounds and minor cuts and later released.
Police said Animal Control responded to the scene and took possession of the Pitbull. They also mentioned that the officer’s body cameras were on and captured the incident.
Both officers, a 46-year-old female, 20-year veteran, and the sergeant, a 48-year-old male, 16-year veteran, are being placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of the investigation per Philadelphia Police policy.
Incident No. 2
Officers from the 39th District responded to a call of a dog attack on the 3000 block of North 16th Street in North Philadelphia just after noon on May 15, and police said when they arrived on the scene they found a large Pitbull a smaller dog see attacks.
Authorities said to stop the attack, an officer fired several shots, killing the Pitbull. The smaller dog died from injuries sustained in the attack, they said.
According to the release, one of the dog owners, a 66-year-old man, was injured when a bullet ricocheted and struck his left arm. They said he refused medical attention at the scene.
None of the officers were injured and the officer’s body camera was also on and captured the incident.
Police said both dogs were taken to the Philadelphia Animal Care and Control Agency.
The officer, a 30-year-old man, a 7-year veteran, is being placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of the investigation, per Philadelphia police policy.
Another PPD officer was placed on administrative duty fatally shooting a dog in West Philly earlier this month after authorities said the Cane Corso mauled a 53-year-old man in the street.
