Dog Owner Hit by Police Officer's Stray Bullet

By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City police are investigating another officer-involved shooting, the fourth in two weeks.

Police say they were called to a home in the 3000 block of N.W. 18th Street Monday evening for a domestic disturbance.

The responding officer said as he was approaching the house, a pit bull charged at him. Investigators say the officer pulled out his gun and fired multiple rounds at the dog. Police say it appears one of the bullets ricocheted off an unknown object and struck the dog's owner who was standing nearby.

"It did not break the skin, however it did cause swelling and bruising in that area," said Capt. Patrick Stewart. "He was taken to an area hospital where he's in good condition."

The dog was also hit by one of the bullets and survived. It's been taken into custody of the city's animal control.

Nearby, neighbors said they heard the shots being fired.

"I heard two shots, really fast shots, then I heard a woman scream 'Oh my God,'" said Josh Allen, who lives down the street.

Police say they're looking into what happened and will later determine if the officer followed proper procedure.

The dog owner was released from the hospital Monday evening.

Just last month, a similar incident happened in the 2700 block of S.W. 30th Street.

In that case, police were responding to a burglary call when a vicious dog charged at the responding officers. Investigators say one of the officers pulled out his weapon and fired one shot at the dog. The bullet missed the dog, ricocheted and hit the other officer in the leg.

The officer's injuries were non-life threatening.

More: Police Officer Shot in Southwest Oklahoma City