A Regina police officer arresting a break-and-enter suspect early Saturday morning fired his pistol after he and his police dog were attacked by a pitbull.
Officers were called around 3 a.m. to the 800 block of Retallack Street. Two women and one man were reportedly attempting to break into a home through the doors and windows.
A canine officer was the first on scene and, as he approached the house, the suspects fled to the rear of the home, according to a Regina police news release. A pitbull then charged several times at the officer and his police dog — the police dog was on a leash.
The officer yelled at the pitbull but was only able to drive the dog away by kicking it. The pitbull left but returned moments later as the officer took one suspect into custody.
The pitbull nearly bit the officer and soon the police dog and pitbull were fighting, Regina police said.
The officer ordered the suspect to move away from the scene and, when the pitbull attacked again, the officer fired a shot. The shot hit the ground and the pitbull fled, uninjured.
The 22-year-old suspect, Elijah Blue Cardinal, was taken into custody and charged with breaching probation. He will be released to appear in Regina provincial court April 1, police said.
The pitbull has not yet been found. Regina police said anyone who spots a dog loose in the Retallak Street area should contact animal control or police. The pitbull could pose a threat to public safety.
The incident — specifically, the officer’s use of his firearm — will be reviewed by the Regina Police Service Use of Force Review Board.
