Police officers kill pit bull, round ricochets off the ground and strikes animal control officer

An animal control officer was struck by a round after two El Paso Police officers shot and killed an aggressive pit bull, police officials said.

The shooting happened at 12:07 am at 1145 block of Tio Dink in El Paso’s Lower Valley.

Animal Control officers responded to an aggressive pit bull and were attempting to secure the dog when he attacked the officers.

The Animal Control officers were able to get out of the path of the attacking dog, which then charged at two police officers at the scene.

Both police officers discharged their weapons, striking and killing the dog.

During the incident, one of the rounds discharged ricocheted off the cement and struck an animal control unit officer in the high ankle area, police said.

The animal control officer was transported to Del Sol Medical Center for treatment.

An investigation revealed the dog “may have been unattended at the residence,” police said.

The El Paso Police Department’s Internal Affairs and Shooting Review Team are investigating.