HAMPTON, Va. (WVEC) -- Investigators are trying to track down the owner of two pit bulls that a Hampton Police officer shot after the animals reportedly charged at him.
Shortly before 5:30 Saturday evening, an officer spotted the dogs on the loose in the area of North Mallory Street and the first block of West Kelly Avenue.
When he approached the animals, they charged at him, forcing the officer to retreat into his police vehicle.
The officer saw the pit bulls make their way into a residential backyard, where he heard growling a short time later. Worried for the safety of other people and pets in the area, the officer got back out of his car and went toward the backyard, where he found the pit bulls attacking a third dog in the yard.
As he approached, investigators say the pit bulls again charged at him. This time, the officer fired his gun, striking both dogs before he could be injured.
He called for Animal Control officers to respond to the area, but the damage was already done.
Both dogs died from their injuries.
Sherry Whitgate says that the third pit bull that was attacked was her dog, Caesar.
"When police went that way, I went to the back side door and I was standing in the side door, and I heard two shots before I could even get to the door," said Sherry.
Sherry says she saw the dog go after the officer. "I seen a black pit rushing at the police, and I seen the police, he shot his gun four times at that dog because he was coming to get him. And I seen his head tuck in his chest and he just balled up." said Sherry.
When Sherry's mom, Anna Wingate, got to the door, Anna says she saw Caesar curled up near his dog house. "I look to see the dog laying out there, I said oh my god, oh my god," said Anna.
Sherry tells us the vet expects Caesar to recover and that he should be back home by tomorrow.
Police are now trying to find out who owned the two pit bulls. If you have any information, you're asked to call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.
► Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13News Now App.