Officer Attacked by Pit Bull in Pursuit of Assault Suspect

INDIAN HEAD - 5/21/2010

On May 20 at 7:54 p.m., officers were called to the 2100 block of Reverdy Farm Road in Indian Head for the report of an assault in progress.

The female complainant called 911 and reported her boyfriend was beating her. When the first officer arrived, he observed the suspect, Joseph Brock Romanowski, 35 of Hartford County, run out of the house toward the back yard. The officer pursued but as he reached a wooded area behind the house, a full grown pit bull charged him, grabbed a hold of his ankle and attempted to bite him, ripping his pant’s leg. The officer fell to the ground and the pit bull charged toward him.

Fearing the dog would attack again, the officer discharged his issued firearm, striking the dog and disabling it. Additional officers, who arrived on the scene, apprehended Romanowski and placed him under arrest.

Animal Control officers responded and transported the dog to a clinic where it died. The officer was treated at a nearby hospital for injuries he sustained when he fell. Officers were advised that once the suspect realized officers were responding, he went out back and unchained the pit bull. Further, officers were told the dog was being trained to be used in dog fights.
 
Romanowski was charged with second- degree assault.
 
The investigation is continuing.