A Roanoke, Virginia, police officer came to a 51-year-old woman's rescue on December 20, after a pair of pit bulls attacked her. According to the Roanoke police department spokesperson, the officer shot and killed the dogs shortly before 3 p.m. in the 1300 block of Melrose Avenue.

The officer said he was driving down the road, and saw the dog attack. The dogs were biting the 51-year-old women's hands as she screamed for help. As he stopped his vehicle, he saw a dog bite the woman's coat and pull her to the ground.

By the time the officer exited his vehicle, one of the dogs was on top of the woman tearing at her clothing. The dog then succeeded in pulling her coat off of the woman. As the dog stepped away from the woman, the police officer shot the dog and killed it. Then the officer shot the second dog, which was still attacking the woman's legs. The wounded dog fled the scene of the attack and later died from its injury.

The woman had bumps and bruises, but was not seriously injured. She told the police officer she did not recognize the dogs.

The police department plans an internal investigation of the shooting. The police officer will remain on duty during the investigation. The department's spokeswoman says the initial investigation indicates the officer acted correctly when he shot the dogs. It appears he had a clear shot at both dogs and did not endanger the 51-year-old woman when he fired his weapon.

The dogs' owners face dangerous dog charges in connection with the attack.

No doubt this was a terrifying experience for the woman that anyone who has been attacked by a dog can probably relate to. Dog attacks can cause serious physical injuries that can require extensive surgery to repair the damage, not to mention possible plastic surgery due to disfigurement. In Virginia, if you are attacked in a public location by a dog that is not restrained on a leash, the dog's owners can be held responsible for any injuries that occur.

Source: The Roanoke Times, "Roanoke police say officer killed 2 pits bulls who were attacking woman," Sheila Ellis, Dec. 21, 2011.

Source: WSLS 10, "Roanoke City Police file charges against pit bull owners," Tim Ciesco, Dec. 21, 2011.