Pit Bull Mix Euthanized After Tampa Attack

TAMPA, FL — The pit bull mix who attacked three people in Tampa after his owner attempted to put a sweater on him last Friday has been euthanized. Hillsborough County confirmed Scarface's fate on Tuesday.

“The dog was surrendered by its owners to the shelter and euthanized on Dec. 30 due to the severe stab wound it received and the high risk of danger it posed to the public,” county spokeswoman Kara Walker said Tuesday.

The incident that led up to Scarface’s death began to unfold around 2:30 p.m. Dec. 30 at a home in the 3400 block of Cord Street. According to Tampa Police, Brenda Guerrero, 52, went outside her family’s home around that time to put a sweater on the dog.

Police say Scarface didn’t appreciate the gesture to keep him warm. He began attacking Guerrero, the agency wrote in an email to media.

Hearing the commotion, Guerrero’s husband, Ismael, 46, ran out of the home and attempted to pull Scarface off his wife, police said. Scarface, however, began attacking him, too. At that point, another person got involved in the scuffle.

Antoine Harris, 22, stepped in and stabbed the dog in the head and neck, police said. Scarface attacked Harris, too.

The three people were able to escape the backyard and called police for help.

When Hillsborough County Animal Control officers and Tampa police arrived at the home, they shot the dog with a tranquillizer gun, the email said. Scarface, however, managed to get in the home where there were two children inside.

A bean bag gun, taser and catch pole had to be used to subdue and capture the dog, the agency said.

Both Brenda and Ismael Guerrero were taken to a hospital for treatment of their injuries. Police say Brenda Guerrero’s injuries were serious, but not life-threatening. All three people injured are expected to recover.

Animal control took Scarface into custody.

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