Police shoot pit bull near Jackson’s former home
A police officer investigating trespassers at Michael Jackson's former Las Vegas home shot and wounded a pit bull Saturday after it broke through the fence of a nearby residence and attacked him.
Las Vegas police Lt. James Weiskopf said patrol officers were dispatched about 12:40 p.m. to 2710 Palomino Lane, near Rancho Drive and Charleston Boulevard, where the pop star formerly lived.
A tour had been scheduled for fans who wanted to remember Jackson on the second anniversary of his death, but some entered the property early.
About an hour after officers arrived, Weiskopf said police noticed a man with a warrant for his arrest walking toward Shetland Road, a nearby side street.
When one officer attempted to follow the man, a pit bull broke through a backyard on Shetland and attacked the officer.
The officer shot and wounded the dog. The homeowners were notified and took the animal to a veterinarian.
The suspect was not located.
"After the shooting, we weren't concerned anymore about him," Weiskopf said. "We just wanted to make sure the family was aware and to make sure the animal got the care it needed."
The dog's condition was not immediately known.
Contact reporter Mike Blasky at
mblasky@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0283.
