Pit bull attacks K9 unit during arrest

A Maricopa Police Department K9 police handler and police K9 dog were attacked by a pit bull at about 7 p.m. Monday when police arrested Rock Kelly Ingram, 49.

None of the officers, including the K9 officer, were injured, according to MPD.

Officers responded to information that Ingram, who had several felony arrest warrants, including a weapons charge out of Wisconsin, was living at a house in the 45000 block of West Tulip.

Earlier in the day, Ingram is suspected of being involved in a domestic violence incident and had fled from officers, according to MPD.

When officers attempted to apprehend Ingram, a pit bull belonging to the residence’s owner ran from the back yard and attacked the K9 handler and the K9 officer, latching on to the police K9's neck.

One officer shot twice at the pit bull, missing the dog, but succeeded in getting it to release the police K9.

The pit bull was contained and Ingram was arrested and booked into the Pinal County adult facility where he is awaiting extradition to Wisconsin.

The pit bull was turned over to Pinal County Animal Care and Control for testing for any canine diseases.

As is standard procedure, the MPD and Gila River Indian Police Department are conducting an administrative investigation into the officer who discharged his weapon.