Salem Police Officer Shoots 'Attacking Pit Bull'

When the suspect fled, he reportedly tried to break into an apartment in the complex, in an attempt to get away from the pursuing officer.

Salem-News.com

(SALEM, Ore.) - At 1:30 am, on January 1st, Salem Police officers responded to 4079 Market St, the Salem Manor Apartments, regarding a report of a man that was trying to get his two pit bull dogs to attack residents.

Two residents from the apartment, fearing for their safety had to flee from the dogs prior to police arrival.

Upon police arrival, two officers approached 21-year old Francisco Emiliano Martinez of Salem and his two pit bull dogs.

A Salem Police news release indicates that Martinez immediately fled on foot. As he did, he reportedly began commanding the dogs to attack the officers.

"The two dogs turned on one of the officers. The dogs lunged at the officer repeatedly. He fired once, killing one of the dogs. The second dog fled."

The release stated that the second pit bull was later located and impounded as a dangerous dog.

When Martinez fled, he reportedly tried to break into an apartment in the complex, in an attempt to get away from the pursuing officer.

Salem Police say he was quickly taken into custody.

Francisco Martinez was arrested and charged with two counts of Maintaining a Dangerous Dog, Interfering with Police, two counts of Menacing, second-degree Attempted Assault, Attempted Assault of a Public Safety Officer and Attempted Burglary.

He also had warrants for two counts of Menacing and Delivery of a Controlled Substance. He was taken to the Marion County Jail where he was booked.

The two residents and the officer were not injured by the dogs.