Both victims were taken to the hospital with dog bites.
SAN ANTONIO — A Cibolo police officer was put on administrative leave after shooting and killing a dog during a reported attack Monday morning, according to the department.
Multiple agencies including the Cibolo Police, Cibolo Animal Services, Cibolo Fire Department and Schertz EMS responded to two 911 calls for a dog attack in the 100 block of Sambar Main around 8 a.m.
The caller said a loose dog had attacked and bit an elderly woman in front of a home. Upon arrival, police found a man in the street lying on the ground with his arm around the dog’s neck, keeping it restrained. The man identified himself as the dog’s owner.
The dog was reportedly calm when police arrived. Officers also noticed blood on the street that witnesses said belonged to the woman who was attacked. Neighbors has reportedly helped her retreat to a nearby residence.
According to Cibolo PD, the responding officers tried to remove the dog from the scene so EMS could treat the woman. The officers tried to use a catch pole loop on the dog, but while they were attempting to set the loop the dog became aggressive.
Police said the dog broke free from the owner’s restraint and charged towards one of the officers, identified as Officer Starr.
Authorities said Officer Starr initially backed away from the dog but the dog leapt towards the officer’s face and upper body, knocking him to the ground. The dog then bit Officer Starr on the upper thigh on his right leg and would not disengage when the officer attempted to retreat.
According to Cibolo PD, while the dog was attacking Officer Starr another officer – identified as Officer Pillar – discharged his weapon multiple times, striking the dog. The dog died from its injuries at the scene.
Officer Starr and the woman were then treated on the scene. EMS crews said the 67-year-old woman had sustained dog bites to her upper arm, shoulder and hip. Her injuries were described as serious but not life-threatening. Both Officer Starr and the woman were taken to the hospital.
After the incident Cibolo Police Chief Thedrick Andres released the following statement:
“This is a difficult situation for everyone involved. The dog was in front of their residence and not restrained by the owner, which is a violation of our city ordinance. The dog attacked a neighbor, causing significant injuries, and then attacked a Cibolo Police Officer. Fortunately, a second Cibolo Police Officer at the scene was able to act quickly to save the life of another police officer. None of our officers ever wants to be placed in these types of situations, but our priority will always be the safety of our officers and community.”
Per department policy, Officer Pillar was placed on paid administrative leave pending an internal investigation.
Cibolo Animal Services will also be conducting an investigation.