Deputy Shoots Her Finger, Kills Pit Bull Following Attack

HUDSON, FL — A Pasco County deputy’s Saturday run-in with a pit bull took a deadly turn for the dog and a painful one for the law enforcement officer.

According to the agency, Deputy Monica Bray responded to a home in the 7000 block of Oakley Avenue around 12:30 p.m. Nov. 26. Bray was called out to the home after a homeless man had been attacked by a pit bull a short time before. The initial mauling victim “sustained some pretty serious injuries,” according to agency spokeswoman Amy Marinec. The injuries are not life threatening, but the man required hospitalization, she added.

When Bray arrived at the home, she tried to make contact with the dog’s owner but encountered the creature instead. The dog broke from its leash and advanced on Bray, according to the agency. Bray attempted to back away, but can be seen being knocked to the ground on a video released by the sheriff’ office. The dog evidently grabbed onto Bray’s pant leg and caused her to trip.

The video shows the struggle between Bray and the dog. Two shots can be heard on the recording. One of those shots grazed Bray’s left ring finger, according to an email from the agency. The dog was killed in the incident.

Bray was taken to a local hospital for treatment after the shooting, the sheriff’s office said. Her injuries are not life threatening.

The name of the dog’s owner has not yet been released. It is unclear at this time if the owner faces any charges.

Bray is very familiar with the pit bull breed. She owns three of them, the sheriff's office email said.

No further information is being released.

The body cam footage of the shooting can be viewed on the sheriff’s office’s YouTube channel. Patch is not publishing the video due to its graphic nature and adult language.

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