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Eaton police shoot, kill charging pit bull

Police Shoot, Kill Charging Pit Bull
A police officer fatally shot a pit bull Monday morning after the dog became aggressive and charged him. The dog, Capone, was a 10-year-old full-blooded American pit bull owned by Olivia Huerta.

The incident started when around 9:30 a.m. when Eaton police received a call from a neighbor about a roaming dog. According to Chief Randall Jacobson, Officer Daniel Knab arrived and found the dog "near the vicinity" of Huerta's home on Maple Avenue.

Capone became aggressive as Knab approached, so he returned to his patrol car to obtain a catchpole. When Knab re-approached, the dog charged him. The officer attempted to back away from the dog when he slipped on snow and fell on his back. Knab shot the dog once when it continued toward him in an aggressive manner.

After being shot, Capone returned home. Officer Knab attempted to see how badly the dog was injured but the dog continued to be aggressive. Knab then called for animal control officer to assist. Capone died before they arrived.

Police issued Huerta a municipal summons for having a vicious animal and allowing a dog to run loose. The police department has offered to pay for burial or cremation services for Capone.

Prior incident - According to Eaton police, in December, officers received a complaint that the same dog was running at large in the neighborhood. At the time, police issued Olivia Huerta a verbal warning.