Los Angeles: Just before 3:20 p.m., on Wednesday, February 16, 2005, a 70-pound pit bull terrier charged a column of four bicycle officers, who were patrolling near the north alley of the 900 block of Mateo Street, south of downtown.

Bicycle officer Gina Iglesias was the last of the four bike officers riding in a column when the apparently startled dog bared its teeth and attacked. Fearing for her safety, the officer fired a single round, which struck the animal in the head. Animal services took the wounded dog to an emergency veterinary clinic, but it later died.

Officer Iglesias is a ten-year veteran, assigned to Newton Police Station. None of the officers were injured in the incident.

Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department's Force Investigation Division are conducting the investigation.

This news release was prepared by LAPD's Media Relations Section. For questions please call 213-485-3586.