Salem Police Shoot Dog- Bullet Strikes Man

A man was shot in the foot and transported to Salem Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

(SALEM) - A Salem Police officer setting out to shoot a pit bull ended up shooting a man who apparently tried to place himself between the gun and the dog.

A Salem Police officer was firing at the pit bull, a spokesman says, when 38-year old Steven Deleon jumped in, apparently trying to intervene in the situation.

The incident occurred at 2020 Park Ave NE in Salem at approximately 3:20 pm on October 20.

Salem Police Officers Darren Buchholz and Travis Brossard were in the residence speaking with people when they were reportedly attacked by a pit bull.

Officer Buchholz says he attempted to push the dog away, but when the dog continued to attack he drew his firearm and shot the animal in self defense.

Deleon was struck by the gunshot in the foot and was transported to Salem Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Officers Buchholz and Brossard are not injured and will both be placed on administrative leave as is standard procedure while the incident is being investigated.

The Oregon State Police will be coordinating and conducting this investagation. Salem Police Lt. Dave Okada tells Salem-News.com that this is standard procedure for the Salem Police Department to request the Oregon State Police conduct an independent investigation of incidents of this nature. The dog was shot and killed. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call the Oregon State Police at 1-800-452-7888.

Jerry Freeman is part of a new generation of dedicated news photographers who entered the Internet news industry as a second career. He shares in common with many people who fulfilled their life dream of becoming a visual journalist. Joining the Navy at an early age, and the Oregon Army Guard a few years later, Jerry has a wide range of life experiences. He describes himself as “a truck driver with a new found passion to bear witness to the world’s events.”

Teaming up with Salem-News.com he embarked on a new career as a video news photographer and reporter. Jerry's quick exhibition of natural talent and ability to shoot breaking news led to his becoming a published member of the Salem-News.com team.

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Comments Leave a comment on this story.

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PROUDPitBullOwner February 1, 2013 4:10 pm (Pacific time)

To "ShootPitbull Owners"... I own a pit bull. He is a Canine Good Citizen, a therapy dog for children and women in domestic violence shelters. He is almost done with his training to replace my current medical alert dog, since she is now 8 years old and approaching retirement (she is also a doberman... remember how 20 years ago people like you said the same horrible things about her breed?). The dog was IN THEIR HOME. Not running loose. Maybe the cops should learn to grow a pair and stop shooting peoples' pets for every little tiny thing. If the dog had truly attacked them, those officers would be injured at least. I don't believe a word they say.

Mike October 27, 2012 12:21 pm (Pacific time)

Who gave these cowboys guns and badges? Give them estrogen treatments and find them new jobs flipping burgers someplace. I'm just waiting for the day when a homeowner shoots back and kills one of these creeps.

the honest truth October 26, 2012 10:47 pm (Pacific time)

You I want to know something about that pitbull. It wasn't dangerous his name was Bully he was really old. I personally have met the dog and never once did I feel threatened. Trigger happy cops yeah you could say that but what I think is he was more scared of the dog. And you can't get a reliable story from the people that live in that house all of them are constantly on one.

Brave Officer October 26, 2012 9:17 am (Pacific time)

So brave... so tough.. Eliminate all threats around you with overwhelming force. Call yourself a hero, but you know are a coward.

Art October 24, 2012 7:12 am (Pacific time)

I agree with Douglas. This report is un-professional, it goes against the very basics of proper journalism.

ShootPitbull Owners October 23, 2012 3:03 pm (Pacific time)

This stuff wouldnt' happen if people would stop buying these manhood accessories, not caring or respecting their dangerous nature. At the end of the day, most of these dogs can't be rehabilitated without serious assistance, so what do you do with an out of control pitbull. You have to put it down. Let it be a lesson. Don't buy dangerous animals/guns/substances if you are unwilling to take responsibility for it.

Salem dog lover October 22, 2012 1:06 pm (Pacific time)

They just HAD to shoot the dog. What a bunch of trigger happy cops. No wonder the community dislikes them so much.

Douglas Benson October 22, 2012 8:43 am (Pacific time)

Thugs and liars. I dont believe a word . I'm suprised you would print their version without getting the scoop from the residents .Peace

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