Police Shoot, Kill Dog After Rescuing Man from Top of Car

A pit bull was shot and killed Sunday morning by Police after it charged officers in the 2200 block of Racine Street.

According to a release from the MPPD, they responded at 7:55 a.m. to a call from a man trapped on top of his car by a dog he feared would attack if he got down. When officers arrived, the dog was in a yard about 15 feet away from the caller so police placed their squad car between the dog and the man so the man could get down.

Police tried to reach the residents of the home, but no one answered the phone or came to the door. By this time, officers lost sight of the dog, and, believing the dog had been let inside, one officer got out of their car to speak to another officer across the street.

The officer walking across the street was warned that the dog was charging after coming from behind the house. The officer tried to run, but when the dog didn't stop, the officer was forced to shoot it.

Police were able to make contact with the dog owner's son who said the dog was recently given to them and did not have its rabies vaccinations. He reportedly told officers he didn't know how the dog got loose.

The officer was not hurt, and the matter will be referred to the village attorney for possible citations.

Sgt. Eric Relich confirmed the officer was in danger and properly discharged his weapon.

"Witnesses confirmed that the dog was running at the officer and the officer had no choice," he said. "Obviously, we don't like situations like this, but police have to protect themselves and citizens."