Officer Shoots Aggressive Dog After it Bites Child, Charges at Officers

San Leandro police officers were dispatched to the 2600 block of Darius Way to investigate a report of two loose dogs that had bit a child on Saturday at 10 a.m., according to a press release. 

Officers met with an 11-year-old boy that had minor injuries to his leg after being bit by one of two German Shepherds. Officers also learned the two dogs were aggressive toward nearby landscape workers.

Officers found the dogs in a nearby yard.

The dogs were aggressive towards the officers and ran away. An Animal Control officer arrived to assist.

The dogs charged at one of the officers in an aggressive manner, causing the officer to retreat and draw his handgun. The officer fired in self-defense as the dog jumped at him.

The dog was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The second dog was apprehended and quarantined by police.

It was later determined that the bite sustained by the 11-year-old boy was superficial and not serious, according to police.

“It is very unfortunate that the officer had to shoot the dog to prevent from being attacked and to protect others from being attacked. We encourage everyone to ensure that their dogs are always secured in their homes or yards when unattended, as doing so will prevent incidents such as this,” said Lt. Robert McManus.