AGGRESSIVE DOG FATALLY WOUNDED BY TROOPER IN CECIL CO.

(NORTH EAST, MD) – A large pit bull that had reportedly chased a woman into her home was fatally wounded by a responding state trooper after it charged the trooper this afternoon in Cecil County.

At about 2:30 p.m. today, two troopers from the North East Barrack responded to the unit-block of Plum Shore Road, North East, Md., for the report of an aggressive dog on the loose. When troopers arrived, the complainant told them she was trying to get to her car from her home when the dog charged at her growling and barking. The woman fled to the safety of her home before the dog reached her. The dog was known in the neighborhood and troopers were shown the house where it belonged.

Troopers responded to the unfenced home and received no answer at the front door. They checked the rear of the home and found a sliding glass door standing open and damage around the wooden door frame. Troopers could hear a television on inside the home. Fearing a burglary may be underway, troopers checked the residence and found no one inside.

As they left the residence, the troopers saw a large pit bull across the street, matching the description they had previously been given. The dog took an aggressive stance and then ran directly toward both troopers. The dog stopped about five feet away and was growling and barking viciously. The dog then lunged toward one of the troopers. In fear for his safety, the trooper fired his State Police issued .40 caliber pistol, fatally wounding the dog and ending the threat.

Maryland State Police investigators responded to the scene to conduct an investigation. They interviewed multiple residents in the area who were familiar with the dog and said it was frequently loose in the neighborhood and was aggressive. Witnesses said the dog had charged toward them on previous occasions.

Cecil County Animal Control also responded to the scene. The investigation is continuing.