Officers Shoot, Kill Dog In Attack

EL PASO — A police officer said he had to resort to deadly force tostop anattack from a dog.

It happened around noon Tuesday in West El Paso, along the 3500 block of Hixson, near Sun Bowl Drive.

The attack came as two undercover officers with the gang task force unit chased after a suspect. That person, a man, ran into his own backyard but did not close the side gate.

At that time, a dog, which officers said appeared to be a pit bull, came out of the yard and attacked a female officer.

A second officer kicked the dog, but fell down and became the dog’s target. Police said that second officer pulled out his gun and shot the dog one time.

“The officer fearing for his safety discharged his weapon, killing the dog,” said police spokesman Javier Sambrano. “The wounded officer was taken to the hospital with minor injuries and is doing OK. The officer who was originally attacked is doing OK. She did not require any medical attention.”

Officers managed to apprehend the suspect they had in pursuit, and he is now in police custody. Police did not indicate why the man was wanted.