Police Officer Fires Shots To Scare Off Dogs Attacking Woman In Covina

COVINA (CBSLA.com) — A woman was attacked by three dogs in Covina Wednesday, and a police officer saved her from further harm by firing shots that scared away the animals but did not injure them.

The 63-year-old woman, whose name was withheld, was attacked about 8:50 a.m. in the 1400 block of East Covina Hills Road, Covina police Sgt. Gregg Peterson said.

Officers were sent to the scene on a report that a woman was being attacked by dogs, Peterson said. An arriving officer saw the woman being attacked by three large dogs in the front yard of a home, he said.

"In an effort to prevent any further injury to the victim, the officer immediately approached the female and diverted the attention of the dogs, at which time the dogs started charging towards the officer," Peterson said.

"Fearing for his safety, the officer shot at the charging dogs with his department-issued handgun," the sergeant said. "This caused the dogs to turn and run away from the officer and the victim and into a neighboring yard."

The dogs were not struck by the gunfire, and the officer escaped injury, he said.

The woman suffered several bite marks and scratches to her legs, arms and hands and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

The dogs, all owned by the same person, were found at a property in the neighborhood and held at the location for animal care workers to take them into custody. The owner of the canines was not identified by police.

Anyone with information about the attack can contact the Covina Police Department Detective Bureau at (626) 384-5612.

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