Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Virginia: Newport News police officer first attacked by Pit Bull, then attacked by its owner Willie Sims

VIRGINIA -- Officers responding to a domestic disturbance complaint on Sunday were attacked by a pit bull, then by the dog's owner, before they had to shoot the dog and use pepper spray on its owner.

The fate of the pit bull that bit a Newport News police officer will be determined by the dog's owner, who was arrested after the incident. The police officer, whose name was not released to the media, was treated for injuries that were not considered to be life-threatening.

The dog's owner, 46-year-old Willie James Sims of Newport News, was arrested and charged with assault of a law enforcement officer, disorderly conduct while intoxicated, drunk in public, obstruction of justice, assault and battery on a family member, and having a dangerous or vicious dog.


Police spokesman Harold Eley said officers responded around noon Sunday to an apartment at 4634 Madison Avenue, located in the city's southeast community, after receiving a call reporting a domestic disturbance.

When a woman opened the door for the officers, an adult male pit bull charged through the door and bit an officer on the left hand and forearm.

The officer drew his gun and fired two shots, striking the dog. At that point, Eley said, Sims ran out of the house and began attacking the injured officer. The officer used pepper spray to stop him.

Animal Control was called to take care of the injured dog, which survived. Eley said Sims or his wife Sheila Sims can reclaim the dog but would have to register it as a vicious animal and keep it under a specific set of conditions.

The police department is investigating the incident because it involved an officer discharging his weapon.

The department's operation manual allows officers to use deadly force on "an animal that represents an immediate threat to public safety" and "when there is no other reasonable alternative to counter a threat of a vicious animal."

ARREST INFO:
Name: Willie James Sims
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Age: 46
Eye Color: Brown
Hair Color: Black
Height: 6′ 2″
Weight: 290 lb

(Daily Press - February 1, 2010)