JPD Officer Attacked by Dog
www.wlbt.com
April 5, 2006, JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI -- A Jackson Police officer is recovering after being attacked by a dog. The officer was on patrol in the Farish Street district when he found himself pulled to the ground by an angry dog, and officers say these attacks are not uncommon.
A furry, tan dog wags his tail Wednesday afternoon, held at bay by animal control officers. Moments earlier this dog was not so friendly.
Testament to his vicious bite are the bandages wrapping the feet and legs of Jackson police officer Donald Boone.
The officer was attacked when he rounded the corner of a home on Blair Street while attempting to return a stolen purse to its owner. Instead of finding the homeowner, he ran right into the path of an angry dog, chained up but within biting distance.
The dog wrestled the officer to the ground before passers-by were able to pull the dog away.
Police say they have received many calls about dogs, mostly strays, posing a problem in the neighborhood.
"There's a constant great fear of a [letter] carrier," said postman Keith Gayden, who knows the dogs in the back of the animal control van all too well. "It not only poses a nuisance but it also poses a threat. You know one of the...worst things to do is for a letter carrier to get bitten."
Wednesday, Gayden walks his route unharmed, as officer Boone is wheeled away to the ambulance for treatment.
Assistant Police Chief Roy Sandifer says dog attacks are a hazard of the job. "A lot of times we go around businesses or residences and you surprise a dog as much as they surprise you. It's not uncommon for an officer to be bitten in the line of duty," said Sandifer.
With the culprit in custody, animal control lead the dog away to be tested for rabies, but not before the dog got back to his old tricks, lunging at officers trying to load him into their truck.
The dog is being held by animal control pending rabies test results.
Officer Boone was treated and released with minor injuries.
