HARLINGEN — Police said officers were forced to shoot a pit bull after the dog was released on them during a family argument.
Officers went to the 3200 block of Lazy Palm about 2:20 a.m. yesterday to check on a call about a family disturbance between a man and a woman.
During the arrest of the woman, the man “intentionally released an aggressive pit bull at the officers, shouting orders at the dog to attack,” police said in a statement.
The dog charged two officers, biting one on the forearm and the other on the leg.
“The attack was so fast and violent, the officers were left with no choice but to shoot the animal to prevent further injury,” the police statement said.
Both officers were taken to Valley Baptist Medical Center for treatment.
The man, who was not identified, was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated assault on a peace officer.
Harlingen Animal Control was called to the scene to remove the dead dog.
No other information was immediately available.
