A Daytona Beach police officer trying to catch a burglary suspect shot and killed an 80-pound dog Tuesday morning, in what police are calling self-defense.

  • Police respond to home invasion call on Spruce Street
  • Officer tracks suspect to shed, where suspect gets dog to charge officer
  • Officer says he shot the dog in self-defense

Police responded to the home on Spruce Street police after the homeowner said someone was trying to break into the home by pushing in an air conditioning unit.

Daytona Beach Police Chief Craig Capri says the suspect got away from the officer and ran toward the back of the house to a shed. That's where the homeowner had left a dog tied up with a 20-foot rope.

That owner was not available for comment.

Police say the suspect was unable to untie the rope but got the dog to charge the police officer.

“As the dog charged the officer, he got within two feet of the officer," said Capri. "The officer had no choice but to fire his weapon and protect himself. Unfortunately the dog was killed during that.”

Capri said other officers were able to capture the suspect a few blocks away from where the dog was killed.

“And he’s being charged with burglary, and resisting an officer," said Capri. He says the suspect could also be charged with animal cruelty by trying to release the dog, which ultimately led to the dog’s death.

The chief says had officer not shot the dog, the officer could’ve been mauled by the dog.

News 13 is asking police to release body camera video of the officer as the dog charged it. Police say it is not being released just yet because it is part of the investigation.