Search for burglary suspect leads to Phoenix officer shooting dog after it bit him

While searching for a burglary suspect, a Phoenix police officer shot a dog after it bit him and both were taken to the hospital early Sunday morning, authorities said.

Officers were flagged down by a man just before 3 a.m. after leaving a burglary call near Seventh Street and Roeser Road, according to the Phoenix Police Department.

The man told police an unknown person had entered his backyard and thought it could be related to the burglary.

Officers then approached a nearby house and requested permission to access the backyard, police said.

The owner of the home agreed to let police into his backyard and was asked to keep his dogs inside.

As an officer was searching the backyard, two dogs escaped the house and one bit him. He was able to break free from the bite before the dog lunged at him again, which is when he shot it.

Police said the officer was taken to the hospital to be treated for the dog bite, and the dog was taken to a veterinary hospital.

The dog was alive as of Sunday morning, authorities said.

No other information was provided.

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