Brooklyn Center Police Fatally Shoot Dog That Attacked Officers

Brooklyn Center police said they fatally shot a dog that attacked two officers outside a gas station as police tried to arrest a suspect who let the animal go unleashed inside the store.

According to police, the incident happened shortly after 10:45 a.m. Sunday at the Speedway gas station at 6950 Brooklyn Blvd. Officers initially responded to a theft and trespassing call involving a man with a dog not on a leash in the store.

“The man initially cooperated, but after officers learned he had two arrest warrants, he tried to leave and resisted arrest, using his dog and a skateboard to block officers,” police said in a news release posted on social media.

Police said they deployed less lethal options, including a Taser, to arrest the suspect but those were ineffective. 

As a struggle with the suspect ensued, the dog attacked two officers, police said.

“To protect those on scene, an officer discharged a firearm, striking the dog,” the release said.

The dog was taken to an emergency vet but did not survive.

The suspect was eventually restrained. He was treated at a hospital for minor injuries and later booked into the Hennepin County jail, pending charges.

Police said the two officers injured by the dog are expected to return to duty.

As is standard procedure, the incident is under a formal review.

Brooklyn Center