FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Police shot and killed a dog early Friday morning after it attacked a suspect they had in custody.
Fulton County Police officials said the dog owner released the pit bull while officers wrestled with a suspect in his front yard.
VIDEO: Police Shoot Dog During Arrest
Channel 2 Action News reporter Darryn Moore talked to officers who told him the incident started when they got a call that a man was roaming the neighborhood near Sturbridge Way off Old National Highway, looking into cars.
When officers arrived, they tried to question Meeko Brown, 31, but he ran, according to police.
Police caught up with Brown in front of a house on Sturbridge Way where they wrestled him to the ground.
Two men in the house heard the commotion and thought a fight was going on. Apparently they didn't realize police officers were involved.
Christopher Rich, 27, stepped out of the house and fired a shot into the air.
"At that point, the gentlemen (the homeowner) set the dog on them," said Scott McBride of the Fulton County Police Department.
The pit bull bit Brown in the neck, according to McBride.
"The dog attacked the suspect," said McBride. "The officer had no choice but to shoot the dog and kill him."
Police arrested Rich and charged him with discharging a weapon.
They also arrested Brown after he was treated for the dog bite.
No charges were filed against the dog owner.