North Las Vegas police officer attacked by suspect’s pit bull

A North Las Vegas police officer was hospitalized Monday after a pit bull attacked him.

The officer was taken to University Medical Center with nonlife-threatening injuries. The officer shot and killed the dog.

Sgt. Tim Bedwell, a police spokesman, said officers were called to a domestic disturbance in the 500 block of Rancho Del Mar Way, near Washburn Road and Commerce Street, about 9:15 a.m.

When officers arrived, a man police later identified as Troy Usu, 22, fled through the backyard of the home. An officer followed.

When the officer entered the backyard, Usu's pit bull bit him, Bedwell said.

"If a dog's biting you, then you have all the justification in the world to do what you need to stop it," he said.

Pilar Juarez-Venegas, the 38-year-old woman who reported the disturbance, was arrested for interfering with the officer's attempt to subdue Usu inside the home, police said.

Usu fled the area and is being sought by police. He is a felon and is considered dangerous. Police described him as being 5 feet 9, 150 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He has a tattoo on his neck that reads "Felon" and one near his left eye with three dots.

Police ask anyone with information to call the North Las Vegas Police Department at 633-9111 or, to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 385-5555.

Contact reporter Mike Blasky at mblasky@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0283.