Auburn, NY -- An Auburn police officer needed three sets of stitches to close wounds he sustained when he was attacked Sunday night by a pit bull dog, a police spokesman said. Sgt. Edward Fabrize was patrolling about 7:52 p.m. when he noticed heavy smoke and walked up a driveway at 61 E. Genesee St. to investigate, Lt. Shawn Butler...
Auburn, NY -- An Auburn police officer needed three sets of stitches to close wounds he sustained when he was attacked Sunday night by a pit bull dog, a police spokesman said.
Sgt. Edward Fabrize was patrolling about 7:52 p.m. when he noticed heavy smoke and walked up a driveway at 61 E. Genesee St. to investigate, Lt. Shawn Butler said. There Fabrize found Thomas Stoddard sitting next to a fire pit. As they spoke, a large pit bull ran off the side porch of the home, snapping his leash in the process, and attacked Fabrize, Butler said.
Fabrize could not defend himself with his service gun because Stoddard was standing too close, Butler said. Fabrize was injured on his right arm and upper right leg before Stoddard was able to pull the dog off the officer and put it in the house, the spokesman said.
Butler said Fabrize suffered muscle damage to his right arm and is expected to be out of work for an undetermined period while he recovers.
Police learned later that Stoddard was tending the dog for a family member. The Auburn animal control officer is continuing the investigation, Butler said.