Dog escapes after biting, being shot by officer responding to family dispute in St. George

ST. GEORGE, Utah, Oct. 23, 2018 (Gephardt Daily) — A dog escaped from a home in St. George after biting and reportedly being shot by an officer responding to a family dispute early Tuesday morning.

A news release from St. George Police Department said officers were called twice to a residence on the 1100 North block of 1100 West.

“The residents at that location own a large dog, possibly a pit bull/lab mix,” the news release said. “During the officers’ first response they determined no crimes were committed and the incident was a verbal dispute between the residents.”

Officials were called back to the residence a little after 3 a.m. with information that an assault had been committed.

“Officers were able to see evidence an assault had occurred and were beginning their investigation,” the news release goes on. “The dog was still chained in the yard, barking, and the owner asked if the dog could be taken into the house. The officers told the owner that would be fine.

“Moments after the dog was taken into the house, while the officers were speaking with the victim of the assault, the dog escaped from the residence through an open window at the rear of the home. The dog appeared without warning and lunged at officer, latching onto his left forearm.”

The officer had begun retreating when he first saw the dog, but only had a couple of seconds to react to the attack, officials said. The officer drew his firearm and fired at the dog.

“We believe the dog was struck with a round after which it stopped attacking the officer and ran away,” the news release said.