HPD: Man fires gun at dog in defense of woman and child

An aggressive pit bull has been surrendered to the Highland County Dog Warden after a Hillsboro man allegedly discharged a firearm at the animal after he felt it was threatening him and a young mother with a child, according to police.

Hillsboro Police Chief Nick Thompson said, "We investigated a call (Monday) morning of a pit bull that was being aggressive. It had challenged a lady with a small child on the way to the bus stop and a neighbor saw that she was having problems.

"The dog then turned on him and went to his property," Thompson said. "(The man) went back into his house, he called the police, but he had fear for the young lady and her small child. He defended himself and fired a round at the pit bull. That startled the dog and it went back into its fenced-in area."

Thompson said the HPD contacted the dog's owner and it was "found through investigation the dog has a history of aggression and he surrendered the dog to the dog warden to be dealt with."

The incident took place in the area of Johnson Street at Wellston Street. 

No charges have been filed, Thompson said, as the owner of the pit bull surrendered the dog voluntarily. 

"He was advised of the consequences and what he could be charged with," Thompson said. "He chose to surrender the dog."

The resident who discharged with firearm also will not be charged Thompson said, "because he was acting in self-defense, protecting himself and and probably the young lady with the child. So he will not be charged."