THEY SHOT MY PAW!

Cop Wounds Attacking Pitbull During Arrest Of Drug Suspect

An Ottawa cop shot a pitbull in the paw after two dogs charged at officers
while they arrested a drug suspect in the hallway of a Caldwell Ave.
apartment Wednesday night. Drug and tactical officers arrived at the
apartment building at about 11:30 p.m. armed with a search warrant. Two
drug cops were guarding the hallway as tactical officers entered the
suspect's apartment.

At the same time, the suspect exited a neighbouring apartment and was
recognized by the officers in the hall and arrested.

Two dogs, a pitbull and what resembled a pitbull/German shepherd mix, ran
out of the apartment the suspect had just left and charged toward the officers.

LUNGED AT OFFICER

Staff Sgt. Monique Ackland said one dog lunged at the officer holding the
suspect as the second officer drew his firearm and fired a shot, hitting
one dog in a hind paw.

Ackland said there is no indication the dogs were purposely set on the
officers.

However, she said it was the officers' duty to protect themselves and the
suspect against what they deemed to be a threat.

The injured dog was treated and is expected to fully recover.

City bylaw officials were not available for comment yesterday.

Police seized cocaine and cash during the search of the suspect's apartment.

Warsame Okie, 22, is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking
cocaine, possession of proceeds under $5,000 and five counts of breach of
undertaking.