Pit bull is killed after biting cop, chasing children

A pit bull was euthanized after it chased children and attacked a Colorado Springs police sergeant near an elementary school in the northwest part of the city Wednesday.

Police said the dog was seen running loose around Buena Vista Elementary School at 1620 W. Bijou St. at around 2:30 p.m., the same time students were being let out for the day.

Sgt. Mark Comte said parents called police and flagged down Sgt. Gordon Goldston as he was driving by, saying the animal was chasing children.

Goldston saw the pit bull run into a house across the street from the school. He went over to the house where he confronted the dog’s owner, a juvenile male. A struggle occurred between the two, and the juvenile fled. The pit bull bit Goldston in the right thigh as he was chasing the owner.

Comte said Goldston sprayed pepper spray at the pit bull, but it would not let go of his leg. He then shot at the dog twice, hitting it once.

Police said Goldston was taken to Memorial Hospital for treatment of the wound. There were no additional injuries. Officials at the elementary school went into lockdown and kept students inside during the attack.

The juvenile was arrested for suspicion of obstructing a peace officer and resisting arrest. The pit bull was euthanized by the Humane Society at the request of the owner’s parents.

Humane Society spokeswoman Ann Davenport said the dog had chased and attacked a postal carrier in June. A citation had been served for possession of a dangerous animal. A court date on the matter had been scheduled in November.

“I do know that from the incident in June, there was a concern that the dog was running loose frequently,” Davenport said. “I believe that the dog was endangering or making the community uncomfortable on a regular basis.”

Police said the pit bull was involved in three other incidents, including running after schoolchildren at another school in the city.

CONTACT THE WRITER: 476-4813 or kim.nguyen@gazette.com