Vicious Pitbull Attacks Officer

June 1, 2007

Los Angeles: A vicious Pitbull was shot while officers were searching for a burglar.

On May 28, 2007, at about 12:30 p.m., Southwest Bike Officers Elbin Quintanilla and his partner responded to assist other officers who were in foot pursuit of a burglary suspect.

While searching for the burglary suspect, an LAPD Air Unit directed Officer Quintanilla and his partner to a backyard in the 3000 block of Norton Street. The officers were confronted by a vicious Pitbull who charged Quintanilla’s partner and was inches away from biting his leg. Officer Quintanilla fired one round and struck the dog in the shoulder. The owner of the Pitbull came out of the house and restrained the dog.

A perimeter was set and the K-9 Unit was called out. The burglary suspect was located near the area and was taken into custody without incident.

The Pitbull was transported to a Veterinarian hospital by the owner and is in stable condition with a through and through gunshot wound to the shoulder.

Officer Quintanilla is 32 years old and has been an officer with the LAPD for 2 years.

No officers were injured in the incident.

Southwest detectives are conducting the investigation.