A dog was shot and killed after it bit a young girl and then lunged at police officers in Philadelphia late Monday afternoon, according to officials.
Police responded to a report of a person screaming on 10th and Ontario streets at 4:45 p.m. When they arrived they were met by family members of a 4-year-old girl. They told police a dog bit her in the face and then ran to the 1000 block of Thayer Street.
"When police went to investigate they found the dog," said Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small. "It was a large pit bull. The dog then rushed towards the officers. That's when both officers discharged their weapons, striking the dog."
The dog died from its injuries. Police say the 4-year-old girl was treated by medics at the scene and did not have to go to the hospital.
"She had some scratches to her face from being bit by the dog," Small said. "But the child is okay."
No police officers or any other civilians were injured during the incident.
Police say the dog did not have a leash and was running loose in the neighborhood at the time. They are currently interviewing the dog's owner. They have not yet determined whether any charges will be filed.
