Officer Shoots Pit Bull During Domestic Disturbance

WESTMINSTER, Colo. (CBS4)- Officers responding to reports of a domestic disturbance shot a pit bull Wednesday morning.

Officers responded to the 8500 block of Federal Blvd. at about 9:46 a.m. after receiving a 911 call of a disturbance.

A woman who lived at the address had spoken with a neighbor and indicated that she had been hurt and needed help. The neighbor told police the woman appeared to have dried blood on her hands and forearms.

When officers arrived they determined that a woman and man were inside but refused to answer the door. After several attempts to contact them officers forced their way into the apartment.

When they got inside the officers said a large pit bull became aggressive and the officers felt the dog was going to attack them. That's when one of the officers fired and shot the dog.

"The officer in this situation was faced with no other choice. He felt harm to him or other officers which is why he decided to fire his weapon," said Westminster police spokeswoman Cheri Spottke.

The dog was taken to a local animal hospital where it was treated for its injuries and was in stable condition Wednesday afternoon.

The man and woman inside the apartment, Thomas Rucker and Susan Sego, were arrested and held for active warrants.

The incident is still under investigation. The Adams County District Attorney will decide whether charges will be filed.