Dog Defends Boy in Alleged Gun Incident
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Police are crediting a dog with intervening during an incident in which a Long Beach man leaned over his backyard fence and allegedly pointed a gun at his neighbor’s 8-year-old son.
Officers responding to a report of shots fired in the 5700 block of Chestnut Avenue said Patrick Maurice Harris, 33, was angry that his neighbor had presented him with a veterinary bill for injuries his dog sustained in a recent fight with the suspect’s dog, Long Beach Police Cpl. Harry Erickson said Friday.
About 7:10 p.m. Thursday, police said, Harris allegedly drew a gun and pointed it in the direction of the boy. He was then charged by his neighbor’s dog.
Investigators said Harris fired four to six rounds at the dog, none of which struck the animal. Meanwhile, the boy fled to the home.
Long Beach police surrounded the house, and a SWAT team was sent in to determine whether the suspect was still inside. Harris was arrested walking down the street.
Booked on charges of assault with a deadly weapon, Harris was being held Friday on $30,000 bail.
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