URGENT UPDATE: San Francisco police officers shot a man and his dog this afternoon after responding to a bite incident near Union Square. The incident unfolded around 4:27 p.m. at the intersection of Market and O’Farrell Streets, where officers were flagged down by a victim who had been attacked by a large, off-leash dog.
According to the San Francisco Police Department, the dog exhibited aggressive behavior, prompting officers to take action. As they attempted to arrest the man and secure the dog, both were shot. The dog initially fled the scene but returned and bit one of the responding officers, who was treated for minor injuries on-site.
The man was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, while the original bite victim took themselves to the hospital for care. Animal Care and Control has taken custody of the dog involved in the incident.
The shooting is under investigation by multiple city agencies, including the district attorney’s office, the police department’s investigative division, internal affairs, and the Department of Police Accountability. A public town hall will be held within ten days to provide further details on the incident, as is standard procedure following any police shooting in San Francisco.
This shocking event raises questions about public safety and animal control in urban areas. Authorities are urging witnesses or anyone with information to come forward as they piece together the circumstances surrounding this troubling encounter. Stay tuned for more updates as the story develops.
