On October 21 at 7:29 p.m., officers on foot patrol at Washington Jefferson park near the horseshoe pits contacted a group of individuals who were sitting and standing in the area. There was a grey tarp forming a structure, which is a violation of park rules.
As an officer walked near the tarp, a large pit bull mix dog came out and began growling and barking and then went to attack the officer. The dog lunged toward one of the officer’s face and neck, and a second officer came to his aid to defend him from the dog. The dog was unsecured and continued to aggress officers. Officers were able to defend themselves without sustaining injury and without having to kill the dog.
Some bystanders pulled the dog away. Animal Services responded and took custody of the dog, and it is currently impounded at the 1st Avenue Shelter. The owner, Candace Louise Barrett, age 47, was cited in lieu of custody for Violation of Park Rules and issued a 30-day Park Restriction. Barrett indicated to officers during her contact with them her wish that her dog had bitten them.