Police: 'Violent and extremely aggressive' dog located after attack on officer

AMESBURY, Mass. — Amesbury Police say they have located an "aggresive" dog who attacked a police officer.

The department said Sunday around 5:30 a.m. Sgt. Lauren Tironre was responding to a medical call at the Whitehall Condos.

While she was there, a "violent and extremely aggressive pitbull" went after her, and tried to bit her shoulder and face, said police.

The dog was reportedly able to bite Tironre's jacket, and at that time the other officer tased the dog, stopping the attack. Police said the dog ran off. Tironre didn't suffer any injuries.

Police put out a warning to the surrounding neighborhood. Around 8:30 Sunday morning, someone called police reporting they had seen the dog.

Around noon, police asked people in the Whitehall Lake Drive Condos, Barbara Drive, Pamela Lane and Unicorn Circle off Whitehall Road to remain indoors. They said the dog has been reported running loose in those neighborhoods.

"Please stay in your homes and do not attempt to approach the dog," the department urged people on Facebook.

Animal Control and Amesbury Police were out Sunday trying to locate the dog and they have put out traps. They also are video taping the traps overnight to see if they can catch the dog.

Police said the dog was described as a brown pitbull.

Police said the protocol would be to quarantine the animal after catching it. Police said it was located early Sunday morning.

Cox Media Group