Sheriff: Suspect Sent Pit Bull To Attack Deputy
OROVILLE (CBS13) – A Butte County Sheriff's deputy was forced to shoot a pit bull that was sent to attack him, the sheriff's office says.
The incident started as a call about an intoxicated man who was reportedly having trouble breathing. The deputy showed up to a home along the 2100 block of B. Street in Oroville a little before 3 a.m. Thursday to investigate.
At the scene, the deputy found 21-year-old Kevin O'Reilly to be drunk and tried to take him in on a charge of public intoxication. But, the sheriff's department says, O'Reilly's roommates attacked the deputy – punching and grabbing him.
One of the roommates, identified as 53-year-old Jimmie Clark, was holding an infant at the same time of the attack. The other roommate, 67-year-old Bobby Clark, reportedly commanded a pit bull to attack the deputy as well.
The deputy, being bitten on the leg by the dog, was forced to pull out his gun and shoot the pit bull dead. He then called for backup to help get the situation under control.
All three men were soon arrested and charged for assault, battery and child endangerment charges.
The deputy's hand, leg and head were hurt in the attack, but he's expected to be OK.