Vicious Pitbull Attacks Officer

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.

Comments

[Ed O'Shea]

Ron, I too wish more people were reading these posts! That way the majority of this city would see how ignorant and foolish people like you are. They would then understand just what kind of delusional, and morally bankrupt people we have to deal with on a regular basis. Hmmmm, the life of a junk yard DOG over a human being? Now I love dogs, but I think we all know what position people like Ron and the rest of these decedents take when the burglar, rapist or murderer were to get inside that house and hurt or kill someone. If the Officer stated a dog kept him/her from continuing pursuit, the comments here would question the Officers courage in the face of a Paris Hilton like ankle biter, rat/dog. But since the pooch took a .230 grain projectile, the Officer is the bad guy! What a bunch of babies! Waaaaaaaaa, waaaaaaa, waaaaaaaaa! The next time I am chasing a gangster with a gun, southbound and we hop a fence only to be met with Cujo, who then charges me, I'll apologize without missing a step, after I kick him in the kisser, BOOOOO YEAH!!!!
I think our legislators need to put a couple of new laws on the books. Close to these: 1-PC stupid in the day time, a misdemeanor, carrying a sentence of 100 days in reality, 20 years probation! And 2-PC Stupid in the night time, with gross ignorance, a felony, carrying a sentence of 365 days in reality, $2.00 fine and 35 years probation. Considering, Ronny OLE boy, that you're a subsequent offender, we will need to place a GPS ankle device on you so we can be warned when you sprint out of reality, AGAIN! Please, please keep your posts coming though, you're very entertaining. We need to inoculate the public to the many ignorant people that have your numb minded way of not thinking or considering the facts.
I know these people that live in oblivion have their little antisocial, antiestablishment organizations like copwatch. We, the people that live in reality need to have our own warning system, call it something like IDIOTWATCH!
So please, Ron, turn yourself in to the nearest Police station for that ankle device! And when you walk into the station, be sure to say hello to my fellow WARRIORS!

Stay Safe Warriors!

Ed O'Shea

PS Ron, hug a Warrior today!

[Chris]

Ron, move out of our city because you don't understand the law or why Officers do the job that they do. With all of your "hate the cops" postings...I bet you're the first person to call 9-1-1 when you need them! Get real.....GO LAPD...keep up the good work!

[Mac V]

What's this 'reporting to PETA' nonsense?

When did PETA become a governing agency?

Last time I checked they were a group of hausfraus looking for any cause to leach onto.

Nothing but a bunch of Jane Fonda wannabes trying to replicate their parent's history from the 60's.

Hey Ron, if you can get Pam Anderson to protest in front of my house, I'll buy you a round of Shirley Temples.

Thanks brother!

[Edgar Friendly]

So I guess the LAPD needs to make sure they don't go into anyone's yard to chase a fleeing felon, since they might have to shoot a dog... Ok then, when that same fleeing felon breaks into that residence and harms an innocent person or family, just remember that you placed the value of the dog's life over that of the people inside the house. You can't have it both ways (no matter how much Ron seems to want that...).

[Ed O'Shea]

In all this jousting I forgot to say that I'm glad that Officer Quintanilla is OK! Good job brother and continue to stay safe out here!

[The red rooster]

Kick your spouse in the head you get probation. Kick your dog you do time. What's up with that?

[WHY?]

If officer is chasing a felon, and come in contact with a guard dog, that could jeopardize outcome of the chase, has 3 options:

1. Render the dog uncurious.
a. By a forced blow(i.e. kick) or taser gun.
b. Pepper spray

2. Shoot the dog (and endanger everyone in close proximity with strayed bullet or shrapnel).

3. Continue pursuit after felon and ignore the dog all together until it either attacks or officers behind distract it.

In my opinion, rookie officer probably reacted out of fear and anxiety. Should not be held responsible, however, should apologize to the grieving family, perhaps offer a new puppy in condolences.

Just put yourself in victims position and act on kindness.

[jjbright]

if the dog had attacked the burglar would it still have been labeled vicious or heroic

[PDhog]

I'm from Alaska where PETA means "People who Enjoy eating Tasty Animals"

[corporal james h kendall]

do i think the officers was right in doing what he did??? yes i do. as a marine i am put in alot of situations where i might and have had to do something others would think was wrong. its survival. the officers shot the dog sorry to the owner but would they want that in thier heads knowing that thier dog injured a police officer keeping them and thier posseions safe. i am also a pit bull owner them classifying the dog as visious isnt the right term to use. he was doing what dogs do that does not make him visious it makes him protective. if my pit bull attacked a police officer in while he was in the line of duty i would expect the officer to shoot my dog. so everybody that posted a blog mad at the officer put yourself in his shoes then open ur mouth. until then i think you should really think before take advantage of the rights that officer and myself provide for you.

cpl james kendall usmc

[Benjamin Pezzillo]

Well said "WHY?"

Nothing in the information presented suggests the dog bit the hot prowl suspect. In other words, how did the suspect get past the "vicious pitbull" and two, highly-trained LAPD officers did not?

Nor did the dog ACTUALLY attack the officer by making contact, only the cryptic "was inches away from biting his leg" before being shot.

There's intent written into the Department's statement which only serves its needs in justifying its actions.

There's also no information to suggest the shooting of the animal was safe to the other officer given the "inches" away proximity of the dog to the non-shooting officer.

In other words, if the officer had been that close to shoot the dog without jeopardizing his partner's safety, then perhaps the officer could have simply tried to kick or otherwise repel the dog short of gunplay.

Remember, it was not the officer being "attacked" who shot the dog, but that officer's partner who was not in immediate harm.

Again, perfectly acceptable upon first glance when its a "vicious pitbull" but wouldn't hold up well under a microscope if it was a "golden retriever" or another breed with less stigma.

[protect those that protect you]

Hey Ben, good post here.

"Remember, it was not the officer being "attacked" who shot the dog, but that officer's partner who was not in immediate harm."

It doesn't matter who shot the dog. What matters is that one of the officers were in immediate danger and one of the officers took immediate action to eliminate the threat and continue pursuit of a fleeing felon.

[State Educated]

I have two Pit Bulls and I aggree with what the officer did. All of you know that if you were attacked by a dog and had a gun in your hand you would have done the same thing. My dogs are well trained and would never bite human. It's in the gameness of the dog. PitBulls are breed not to bite humans, because biting is a sign of fear. The breed itself is breed not to fear. I feel it's the owner's fault for not training the dog better.

[Logic316]

The cop's reaction was excessive. Couldn't he have just used his pepper spray instead of shooting the dog? Personally, I would rather risk taking a bite in the leg than kill somebody's family pet.

[Loves LA LEOs]

logic316 & special ed: blah, blah, blah. Conchers is right and on the mark as always. I hope his/her partner knows how lucky s/he is! I hope there's a Concher's house somewhere full of kids with a couple of mixed Boxer breed dogs. LA LEOs, stay safe, cool, and hydrated this holiday weekend. Yr friend,

[kel]

Many of these comments make it seem like the two officers had to choose between their life and the dog's life. Can two grown police officers not restrain a pit bull. Of course they were after a criminal, but it doesn't seem to me that the officers shot the dog and ran away. I'm sure they didn't catch the burglar while they were explaining to the owner why they shot the dog. If it was fear of this dog than it was fear, but I am a girl and i am stronger than my dog. If were talking stereotypically i think the two cops could handle the dog without shooting it. i don't think the cops weren't doing their duty, but a lot of people really care about their animals. if someone shot my pit bull the cops would never hear the end of it. I think there were better options

[Grade F]

There are many ways this incident could have turned out, and there are many options that officers could have taken, but what is important here is the legally accepted standard for application of deadly force. It's not necessarily intuitive, and it doesn't necessarily jive with what laypeople believe is "the way things should be," but it is what is supported by case law and legal precedent.

Officers may be justified in shooting a human suspect to stop his immediate actions that are likely to cause death or great bodily injury. An angry knife-wielding human running toward an officer will likely be shot. Could that suspect be simply bluffing the officer and intending to stop short of melee range? Could the officer holster his weapon and try to use his kung fu skills (or OC spray, baton, or Taser) to humanely disarm the poor deluded soul? Sure on both. The answer to the first question is that we'll never know, and honestly, no one should care because an officer shouldn't gamble with his own life to test that theory. The answer to the second question is that in choosing to use a different type of force, the officer may well sustain injuries of the "great bodily" variety, which is what we were trying to avoid in the first place.

In any case, a person with a blade charging an officer is committing an action which, on the face of it, is likely to cause death or GBI. And that's for a PERSON. Animals are granted fewer protections obviously. A dog with a mouthful of piercing, tearing blades, charging at an officer, could be intending to stop a foot away and bark. And two officers could try to restrain the animal, possibly (but not likely) avoiding injury to themselves in the process. BUT THEY DON'T HAVE TO TEST EITHER OF THOSE "WHAT IF" THEORIES BEFORE USING DEADLY FORCE.

Unless the law (and use-of-force policy) changes, that's the way things will remain, regardless of popularity.

[b&wop;]

Kel, put your money where your mouth is. How about volunteering to ride with officers in South Central on weekends, and being the pit bull handler on their calls.

Since you're so experienced in handling dogs, when officers are chasing a felon, who may or may not be armed, they will focus on the bad guy and YOU can take control of any pit bulls that come charging at them.

How about it? Will you accept the challenge? Of course, you will have to sign a waiver absolving the city of liability for your death or great bodily injury suffered as a result.

Do a Google news search on "pit bull attacks" and then you will have facts on which to base your more educated opinions.

Sincerely,

[Not a Cop]

If your pit even looks at one of my babies or my dog in an aggressive way, I will kill your dog. Your dog is safe at your home, because I will not visit anyone with a pit. I don't care what you do or say, or what you think, because those of you who keep this vicious breed of dog in town are a menace to society; you might as well keep lions and tigers and bears. As far as I am concerned, you are as inbred as your dog.

[rob]

well first off did officer hear vicious dog barking? dogs do that you know.if suspect was in yard wouldn`t he/she be the one being attacked?i think the police should own up to mistake and foot the vet bill. it could have been worse he could have killed the dog and as for all pitbulls being vicious nope i`ve had mine for 10years and hes as good as any other dog. depends on the trainer and how they treat the dog on how it will react. german shepards were the vicios dogs befor pitbulls

[Porto]

Any dog can attack regardless of breed type. All dogs will protect their property. You might be surprised but the breed of dog that was reported to hospitals in dog bite cases across the US was not pitbulls but Shepherds, pitbull mixes, and Rotties.

A dog is the reflection of it's owner and how it is trained. You have gangters with a pit you have a pitgangster it's common sense.

No officer should shot a dog on it's own property , especially when they have other methods such as pepper spray and taser guns.

[Loves LA LEOs]

I had a dog come at me last week, and I would have used whatever I had at hand to keep from getting attacked. The mutt was lucky it was only a full cup of hot coffee. I heard that Dalmations are cranky, disagreeable, and don't like kids. When asked why fire stations have them, a little lad replied, "To help them find the fire hydrants."

[Jerome]

Police tend to lie ! Lie in court, lie to yer face. The press is corrupt aswell.
A lot of criminals they arrest are the ones who commited minor crimes. Big fish is still there... Monkey renchin' tactictis.
-Not all the time, but qite often tho. Trust me I no. Some1 said that pitbulls are dumb dogs...
I'm black and I heard exactly the same thing said about myself- dumd n.... Or I bin stopped and searched just 4 that reason only. Pitbulls are probably the most inteligent and loyal dogs out there, same as Jerries... Give em a break please. U can curse me as much as u like people.... but this artical souds like a cheap fabrication: 'vicious pit', 'brave cop'....later-- sounds like a lot of ba ba 2 me..

[b&wop;]

Jerome and Lyell, perfect examples of "victims" of the MAN. Come on guys, fess up! You must have been caught with your hands in the cookie jar, or doing wrong, and got caught by the MAN. In that case, of course they lied since EVERYONE arrested in L.A. is a poor innocent didn't-do-nothin' upstanding taxpaying citizen.

To say 9,400 police officers working in this city "lie all the time" is exactly what I expect from those that really don't matter in their opinions, and typical of the ingorance so pervasive in this city.

Like the illegal alien woman holed up in a church in the valley right now. She said she did come into the country illegaly, but she "didn't commit any crime." That's what the police is up against in this city. People ignorant of the laws and spouting a sense of righteousness and indignation when called to task about being a lawbreaker.

I say, whatever!! The people in this city will ultimately get the police department it deserves. They already have the politicians they deserve, stuck like barnacles on the public trough.

[Jerome]

b&wop, u got a lot of anger in u 4 these dogs as I can c... or is it type of dogs... or perhaps certain type of wild animals... or maybe even certain type of human beings... Anyway..

U need to chill out man like all of you panic stearin crowd. Give this breed a brake people. IT's the DEED NOT THE BREED what matters. When u have a mid-large size dog, training is a must. Love and Affection towards yer pet is a must. Isn't it ?
Dig deeper and you realise that statistics speaks for itself. A great deal of Delinquent and horible people who disregard law and are mean and ready to burst often tend to get a 'BAD, Mean, Vicious Looking' Dog for a reason. u c where I'm goin here - type of dog, so b alert Dobby and Rotwiller owners- u might b nxt on this hate list.

I bet not a great deal of these individuals described above cared about their dog or realised that it was a living creature with a personality underneath all that flesh and coat, who might b very unhappy and possibly confused. I bet b&wop, you won't last an hour in this dude's crib....
Of course accidents happen and sometimes it just happens that some dogs bite and you even might have a very responsible ownner and all that... Boy, I can tell u 1 thing only - DON'T BLAME IT - TRAIN IT !!!! TRAINED DOGS DO NOT NORMALY BITE WITHOUT ANY PROVOCATION or at least some sort of REASON.
and Yes, my friend, no matter what people like yerself are yappin and keep on repiting same all label each time u mention this particular breed. Guess what, some of us like Staffs, Boxers, Bullteriers, Mastiffs and yes an American Pittbull Terrier, who hapenned to b a Public Enemy N1 at this point. Bottom line is, even if u have a Jack Russel Terrier and you school him up to b agressive towards humans he will be.
There is very a good reason these dogs are protected in some parts of US and the World. These dogs need our Help from Mean people and not PURE HATE.

Merry Chistmas every 1 !!

b&wop only- HATEMAS..