Violent Dog Dies After Charging Police

November 15, 2006

Los Angeles: An officer fired his weapon at a charging dog after attempts to subdue the animal with pepper spray and a taser proved unsuccessful. The dog did not survive.

On Thursday, October 26, 2006, around 2:45 P.M., police responded to a vicious animal call in the 1800 block of Talmadge Street, in the Hollywood area. A concerned citizen had phoned 9-1-1 after seeing a woman, who was walking her own dog in the neighborhood, being chased by two pit bulls. When officers arrived, they encountered both aggressive animals.

As police attempted to secure the dogs behind a gate at 1871 Talmadge, one pit bull became increasingly violent. Efforts to use pepper spray and a taser to control the animal did not succeed. When the dog continued charging police, Officer Jaime Rousett, 34, 11 years with the Department, fired two rounds from his handgun, striking the dog both times. Although hit, the dog continued to advance toward Officer Rousett and his partner. Rousett fired again, hitting the dog twice in the body and once in the head. The dog died at the scene.

Neither officer was injured in the incident.

Questions may be directed to Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.