Pit Bull Owner Says Police Went Too Far Shooting Dog

ELWOOD, Ind. -- An Elwood man wants the city to pay the vet bill after his pit bull was shot by a reserve officer.

Leo Mickle told 6News' Derrik Thomas he thought police went too far when the officer fired at 2-year-old Asia, and then locked the bleeding dog in his home.

The confrontation happened Friday, after Mickle's neighbors called to say the dog had escaped the home and was acting aggressively, police said.

When Elwood reserve officer Gary Cole arrived, he said the dog jumped on his police car, and charged at him.

"I was scared. You got an animal charging at you, you don't have a lot of time to think," Cole said. "He wasn't there to shake my hand. He was barking with teeth showing."

Cole fired at the dog, striking it in the ear, he said. He then put the dog back inside the home.

Mickle was cited for having a public nuisance, having a vicious dog and failing to restrain his pet. He pleaded not guilty to the charges, but told Thomas he wants Cole punished, and for the city to pay the $330 veterinarian bill.

"He didn't have to shoot the dog to corral it," Mickle said. "He's a dog catcher. That's not the first way to do things, to just shoot the dog. They got nooses, tranquilizers and all other stuff."

Elwood Police Chief Jack Miller said the reserve officer had the right to use lethal force to protect himself.

Mickle is scheduled to return to court July 17.