Cops Open Fire Near Crowd, Kill Dog

The shooting took place when the street was full of people

A dog is dead after being shot by police, his owner is behind bars and two people are recovering from dog bites, investigators said.

It happened near a crowded farmers market on Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach around 5.30 p.m. Wednesday, when the street was full of people.

“The young man over by the dumpster was saying, ‘you killed my boy, you killed my boy.’ He was pretty hysterical,” Pat James said. 

It all started when investigators say two undercover officers heard a woman screaming and saw a dog biting her. Police ordered the dog’s owner to take control. Instead he took off running with his dog on a leash. Police soon caught up and that's when investigators say the dog attacked.

“The dog continued biting the officer so the second officer fired several more rounds killing the dog,” San Diego police spokesperson Bill Stetson said.

Witnesses were outraged and said the dog didn't deserve to die.

“I didn't see any officer being attacked when they shot the dog,” Rebecca said. 

The pit bull mix and his owner, believed to be homeless, are well known in the neighborhood.

“I played with him less than 24 hours ago, licking my face 24 hours ago,” Rio Mecta said.

Another man showed a scar on his leg where he says he was bit by the dog, but says they were playing around, wrestling.

Police say the dog’s owner is facing a number of misdemeanor charges.

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