Deputy shoots at aggressive dog and bullet ricochets into home, NC sheriff says

A dog attack escalated to gunfire when a Cane Corso became aggressive with a sheriff’s deputy, according to investigators in North Carolina.

It happened around 6:40 p.m. June 29 on West Farm Loop in Stokesdale, and the gunshot ended up hitting a nearby home, the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office said in a June 30 news release.

“A resident was walking her dog on a leash when she and her dog were attacked by two (Cane Corsi) that were running at large. Both the victim and her dog sustained injuries during the attack,” the sheriff’s office said.

“The two dogs fled the area as emergency personnel and deputies arrived. While the victim was receiving medical treatment, one of the dogs returned and aggressively advanced toward a Rockingham County deputy. The deputy made several attempts to drive the dog away before discharging his firearm in defense of himself and others.”

The bullet missed the dog, hit the ground and ricocheted into a residence, officials said.

“Fortunately, no one was injured as a result of the ricochet,” the sheriff’s office said.

An investigation identified the owners of the dogs suspected in the attack, and the owners were cited for allowing the animals to run at large, officials said.

“Both dogs were turned over to the Rockingham County Animal Shelter and are being held pending further investigation,” officials said.

“Rockingham County has enforced a leash law and animal containment ordinance since 1998. The ordinance was enacted following the tragic death of a child who was attacked by dogs running at large. The Sheriff’s Office continues to strictly enforce this ordinance in an effort to protect the safety of our community.”

Investigators did not release details of the injuries suffered by the woman and her dog.

Stokesdale is about a 100-mile drive northeast from uptown Charlotte.