Dog Euthanized After Biting Owner, Charging at Baltimore Police Officer

Incident in Southeast Baltimore leaves officer with gunshot wound to foot

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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A dog was euthanized after it bit its owner and charged at a police officer in Southeast Baltimore on Thursday afternoon. Baltimore police responded to the incident and two officers discharged their firearms, striking the dog. One of the officers sustained a ricochet gunshot wound to his foot. Both the injured officer and the dog's owner were transported to area hospitals for treatment and later released.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the risks and challenges that police officers can face when responding to calls involving aggressive animals. It also raises questions about animal control protocols and the use of force in situations where public safety is threatened.

The details

According to police, they responded to the 6500 block of Hartwait Street around 3 p.m. for a reported dog bite incident. Upon arrival, officers located the dog's owner, who had been bitten. An officer then encountered the dog, which was not restrained, and it charged at the officer. Two officers then discharged their firearms, striking the dog. One of the officers sustained a ricochet gunshot wound to his foot.

  • The incident occurred on Thursday, March 7, 2026 around 3 p.m.

The players

Baltimore Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and is investigating the matter.

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What’s next

The investigation into the incident by the Baltimore Police Department's Special Investigations Response Team is ongoing.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for effective animal control protocols and training for law enforcement when responding to calls involving aggressive animals in order to protect both public safety and the wellbeing of the animals involved.