HAZLETON — Police were forced to shoot a dog after it became aggressive in Hazleton Saturday afternoon.
Officers were called to the area of West 3rd and Alter Streets just after 2:30 p.m. for a man yelling at passing cars.
According to investigators, when police tried to arrest Colin Dufallo, 33, of Hazleton, his pit bull became aggressive. Officers tried to scare off the dog using Tasers, but it continued to charge at the officers.
Interim Hazleton Police Chief Jerry Speziale said officers were forced to shoot the dog. It died.
“Officers have a split second to make a decision in protecting themself or the public,” Speziale said. “Based on the circumstances in this situation, the officer’s had to remove the threat as they are trained.”
No one else was hurt.
Dufallo faces charges including resisting arrest, public drunkenness, and disorderly conduct.
