L.A. County Deputy Kills Pitbull That Attacked K-9

NORWALK, Calif. -- A Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputy shot and killed a pitbull Saturday after the dog attacked a police K-9 by biting its throat.

Deputies responded to a report of gang members congregating about 3:30 p.m. at Hermosillo Park. The alleged gang members ran away when the deputies arrived. A deputy saw a man with a gun running toward a neighborhood in the 12000 block of 161st Street, officials said.

The deputies surrounded the neighborhood in an attempt to corner the armed man. They called for backup from Sheriff's special units, including a K-9 handler.

The armed man was last seen in a man's backyard in the neighborhood, officials said. The man kept a pit bull there and deputies asked him to secure it before they let the police German Shepherd search there.

The pit bull overpowered its owner has he tried to secure it, officials said. The dog raced toward the deputies and attacked the K-9 as it stood next to its handler. The pitbull bit the K-9's throat and pinned it on its back.

The K-9 handler shot the pitbull, fearing for the life of the K-9. The pitbull let go and later died, officials said.

The sheriff's K-9 is doing well and is expected to survive.

Deputies went on to arrest three known gang members for parole violations, officials said. They also found a handgun in the pitbull owner's backyard.

McClatchy-Tribune News Service