Wayland Police Officer Fatally Shoots Dog That Attacked Him During 9-1-1 Hang-Up Call Response

In full transparency, the following is a press release from Wayland Police.

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WAYLAND — Acting Police Chief Ed Burman said a Wayland Police officer, responding to a 9-1-1 hang-up at a local residence, was attacked and bitten by a dog and was forced to use his service weapon, fatally wounding the animal, in self-defense.

On Monday, Oct. 3, at approximately 11:20 a.m., a Wayland Police officer was dispatched to a home on Concord Road to investigate after a person called 911 and hung up.

Upon arrival, the officer knocked on the door of the home and began speaking with the homeowner.

As the pair were speaking, a dog — later determined to be a pit bull mix — allegedly darted out of the house and attacked the officer, biting him multiple times.

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The officer began to retreat to his vehicle and the dog continued to pursue and attack him. In response to the attack, and faced with immediate danger, the officer discharged his firearm, shooting and killing the dog. The dog’s owner was not nearby when the officer discharged the weapon.

The officer was transported to a Emerson Hospital by ambulance for treatment for multiple bite wounds.

The officer has been released from the hospital, said the Chief.

As this is a use of force incident, there will be a complete and thorough investigation, in line with Wayland Police Department policies and procedures, said the Chief.

A preliminary investigation indicates that the dog had a history and was previously the subject of prior complaints about aggressive behavior in Wayland, said the Chief.

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“This is a very difficult and unfortunate situation,” Acting Chief Burman said. “The safety of our officers and community members is of the utmost importance, and anytime an officer has to use force, we take it very seriously. We will investigate this incident to ensure we have the fullest possible understanding of what occurred.”

Police determined that the original 9-1-1 call was accidental and originated from a child in the home.

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