Officer Chris Rankin

Public Information Officer

903-798-3187 (office) 903-260-0294 (pager)

903-824-4199 (cell) 903-798-3023 (fax)

Texarkana Arkansas Police Badge

Re: Patrol Officer Bitten by Dog

On 4/11/06 at 3:30am Officer Billy Smith responded to a residence on Green Acres Drive regarding an animal control complaint. The homeowner had been outside walking his dog, a 2yr. old Belgian Malinois, and as he walked back into his residence a stray cat followed. The cat reportedly attacked the homeowners dog prior to officers arrival.

Officer Smith arrived and removed the cat from the house. After the cat had been removed the homeowner brought his dog back into the living room of the house. It was at this point that the dog attacked officer Smith, biting him on his upper right leg. The homeowner pulled the dog away from officer Smith who was then taken to St. Michael Hospital for treatment. Officer Smith received puncture wounds to his leg. He was treated and released.

The homeowner advised that the dog is current on it's vaccinations, and it is unknown at this time why the dog attacked the officer. This case is currently under investigation by animal control.

Thank you and you can visit the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department online at http://www.txkusa.org/arkpolice.