Greenville police officer shoots dog after it attacks dad and children

GREENVILLE, N.C. (AP) – A police officer says he shot and killed a dog who attacked three children and a father, then turned on the officer as he tried to help them.

Authorities said the mixed-breed dog died shortly after the shooting at a Greenville apartment complex around 8:30 p.m. Sunday.

Investigators say the three children were playing outside when the dog got out of a fence and began attacking them. The father tried to rescue his children and was bitten several times on the hand.

The officer says he had no choice but to shoot the dog after it tried to attack him. Investigators are trying to find the dog’s owners.

Authorities say the children and father are expected to recover from their injuries.

Animal control is Greenville is investigating the shooting.

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