An investigation was under way Thursday after a Long Beach police officer fired a shot at but did not strike an aggressive dog that menaced him.
The gunfire occurred about 5:10 p.m. Tuesday as an officer conducted an investigation in the area of the L.A. River north of the San Diego (405) Freeway in Long Beach, according to the Long Beach Police Department.
“As he was walking in the area, he encountered an aggressive dog that attempted to bite him,” according to a police statement. “The officer discharged his firearm towards the dog to prevent the attack; the dog was not hit and sustained no injuries.”
Animal Control responded but the dog’s fate was not immediately clear, according to police.
“As with all officer-involved shooting incidents, the department will be conducting a full and thorough multi-level review of the incident,” police said, adding that the officer was equipped with a body-worn camera at the time.
Anyone with information regarding the shooting was urged to contact Homicide Sgt. Christopher Castillo at 562-570-5744.