10:45am | Long Beach Police Department officers responded to a dispute on Monday in the 1900 block of Pine Avenue between two parties over a loose pit bull in the neighborhood, which resulted in the shooting of the dog.
When officers arrived, they contacted the reporting party who told them he was bitten by a pit-bull dog that was running loose in the neighborhood, and officers requested the assistance of Long Beach Animal Control. While officers were investigating, they were contacted by a witness who informed them of the dog and its owner’s whereabouts.
As the officers approached an apartment building, they observed several residents standing out front and the pit-bull walking around in front of the location with no leash and no apparent owner around. As one officer moved closer to the dog, it began to growl and attacked the officer, biting his pant leg. Fearing the dog would attack again and with several residents nearby, the officer discharged his weapon, striking the dog.
Animal Control arrived a short time later and transported the dog to a local animal hospital. The officer’s pants sustained several punctures, but he was not injured. During the course of the investigation, detectives learned the dog had bit another resident in the area the week prior.
Anyone who may have any information regarding the incident should contact Long Beach Police Homicide Detectives Scott Lasch and Donald Goodman at (562) 570-7355. Anonymous tips may be submitted via text or web by visiting www.tipsoft.com.