Woman and Her Leashed Dog Attacked by Pit Bull, Officer Responds with Fatal Shot

On May 4, 2025, a Columbus police officer fatally shot an unleashed pit bull in North Linden after it attacked a woman and her leashed dog. The incident, which occurred around 3:28 p.m. near Arlington Avenue and Bremen Street, was captured on body camera footage released by the Columbus Division of Police on May 5 in response to social media criticism. The video shows officers speaking with a woman walking her leashed dog when the pit bull charged, attacking the leashed dog. Amid the chaos, with the woman screaming and attempting to separate the animals, the officer fired, killing the pit bull.

The dog’s owner, visibly distraught in the footage, pleaded to take the wounded animal to a veterinarian, stating, “My dog is literally dying.” She insisted the dog was not aggressive, but officers informed her that Franklin County Animal Care and Control had jurisdiction over the animal’s remains. Bystanders questioned the shooting, noting that loose dogs were common in the neighborhood. The incident sparked heated debate online, with some residents expressing outrage over the officer’s use of force.

Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant defended the officer’s actions, stating the shooting was necessary to protect the woman and her dog from further harm. Bryant announced an internal administrative investigation to ensure compliance with department policies.

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