Police Officer Shoots Pit Bull During Attack

A Temple Terrace Police K-9 and a pit bull both received treatment for injuries sustained after an attack and shooting Monday morning.

According to the Temple Terrace Police Department, officers and a police K-9 went to 8704 Morrison Oaks Court at 11:33 a.m. Monday to arrest Aaron M. Bell, 20, for the illegal sale of cocaine.

When police arrived at the home, Bell came outside and officers approached him to place him under arrest, a press release states. That’s when a pit bull terrier ran from the backyard, charged toward the officers, and attacked the police K-9, which was being held on a leash by its handler. The pit bull bit the K-9 near the mouth and locked onto the K-9’s lower jaw.

“The handler attempted to free the K-9 from the pit bull but was unsuccessful,” the release states. “Fearing for the wellbeing of the police K-9, the handler drew his handgun and fired two shots at the attacking pit bull. Both shots struck the pit bull; one hitting the left-front leg and the other hitting the left side of the pit bull’s body.”

The K-9 was transported to a local veterinarian, treated for lacerations to the mouth and jaw, and released to the handler, according to the press release. The pit bull was also transported to a local veterinarian by members of Bell’s family and treated for two superficial gunshot wounds.

Both dogs are expected to recover, the release states.