Deputy wounded, pit bull killed in chaotic shooting at Baton Rouge apartment

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - An East Baton Rouge sheriff’s deputy is in the hospital after a chaotic scene at an apartment complex in which she shot herself and a dog, according to officials.

A pack of pit bulls reportedly charged toward EBR deputies as they tried to make an arrest at the Hub Apartment complex on Highland Road around 10 a.m. The deputies were there to arrest Richmond McNeal for allegedly violating a protective order.

EBRSO said McNeal was arrested on a charge of violation of a protective order.

“When they made contact with the suspect, they knocked on the door, he opened the door, and at that point, released two dogs,” said Casey Hicks, spokeswoman for the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office. “We’re told they were pit bulls. These two dogs allegedly rushed the deputy, one which they say was snapping at the deputy.”

According to Hicks, the arresting deputies said the dogs snapped at them with one trying to bite the female deputy’s leg. Hicks clarified on Wednesday, Jan. 11, that the female deputy shot herself and the dog while trying to get the dog off of her.

“At that point, we are told the deputy and one of the field training officers fired their weapons at the dog, in which the dog was struck, as well as the deputy in the leg. The deputy was taken to the hospital. She is expected to be okay,” added Hicks.

EBRSO said the deputy is expected to be okay. Officials added there was a total of three pit bulls in McNeal’s apartment. EBRSO reported one of the dogs died. A man who lives at the complex said it’s not the first time the dogs have acted out.

“I don’t directly know the owner, but my dog was recently attacked by his pit bull,” said Ky Williams. “He has three of them. So, I know our neighbors have issues with his dogs snapping at them. He’s an older guy. He can’t really control the big dogs. He probably shouldn’t walk three of them at once.”

The other two pit bulls are in the custody of animal control. McNeal was taken in on those charges of violating a protective order, but EBRSO said more charges could be added.

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