Chicago Officer Suspended After Pit Bull Attack

Police said an off-duty officer admitted his pit bull had attacked a smaller dog at Montrose dog park

An off-duty Chicago Police officer faces suspension after his pit bull attacked and killed a smaller dog last month at Montrose Beach dog park.

The owners of a Pomeranian Papillon mix said the man's pit bull mauled their tiny dog on March 17. After the attack they told police the man refused to give his name and phone number, even yelling at people who followed him as he walked away.

A witness snapped a picture of the pit bull's owner before he took off, and dozens of dog owners circulated the photo online.

Weeks later, the man, a five-year Chicago cop, fessed up to his bosses, and the Police Department launched an internal investigation on Tuesday.

"The Chicago Police Department expects its members to demonstrate the highest standards of conduct on and off duty and will not permit wrongdoing to go unaddressed," police said in a statement.

The Animal Crimes Team, investigating the incident, cited the unnamed officer for not notifying authorities within 24 hours of an animal bite.

"The five-year member informed the Department of his involvement and has been relieved of police powers pending the outcome of the investigation," police said.

The owners of the Pomeranian Papillon were left with a $5,700 vet bill when the dog died.

Contact Us