Officer under investigation in dog's shooting death

By Times Staff
Published May 17, 2005

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TAMPA - A Tampa police officer shot and killed a pit bullterrier that charged as he responded to a call about a domestic dispute Sunday night, authorities said.

The officer went to 4015 E 10th Ave. near Ybor City after 8 p.m. at the request of Tampa fire officials. As he walked toward the home, the female dog "aggressively charged toward him," police said. The officer tried to get away, but the dog kept coming after him. Fearing for his life, the officer pulled his gun and fired once, police said, striking the dog in the head and killing it. The Tampa Police Department's internal affairs unit responded to conduct an investigation.