Officer shoots, kills pit bull during pursuit of parolee
A Los Angeles police officer shot and killed a pit bull Friday night after he was bitten by the dog while pursuing a parolee on foot, according to police.
The incident occurred about 6 p.m. in the 1700 block of West 24th Street in South L.A., said Officer Rosario Herrera, a spokeswoman for the department.
Two officers from the gang unit were on patrol when they spotted a known felon with a parole violation, according to the watch commander for the LAPD’s Southwest Division.
The parolee led the officers on a chase into a nearby backyard. After entering the backyard, a pit bull bit one of the officers, prompting the officer to open fire.
Only one shot was fired at the dog, the watch commander said.
The suspect was arrested and taken into custody. The officer was taken to a hospital and treated for a sprained ankle and two puncture wounds, authorities said.
The shooting comes weeks after the Hawthorne Police Department came under criticism for excessive force when an officer shot and killed a Rottweiler while arresting its owner.
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Twitter: @MattHjourno
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