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FBI Agent Could Face Charges For Shooting Dog

GLENBURNIE, Md. (WJZ) -- An FBI agent could face charges after he used his service weapon to shoot and kill a large dog that went after his pet---and it all happened right in front of a four-year-old child.

Meghan McCorkell has more from the neighborhood.

Police are investigating an incident in Glen Burnie that left a Great Dane dead.

It's a peaceful path where people often walk their dogs---but Friday morning, that peace was disrupted by gunfire.

"It's quite sad to know in our neighborhood that things like this happen," said one neighbor.

Investigators say a grandmother and her four-year-old grandson were walking a Great Dane when she lost control of the dog and it broke free. Police say the 180-pound dog went after a 15-pound schnauzer that was being walked by its owner, an FBI agent.

"He tried to separate the dogs physically. He was unable to and he ultimately had to use his service weapon to shoot the Great Dane," said Lt. TJ Smith, Anne Arundel County police.

Investigators say the incident happened as the two dogs were attempting to cross a narrow footbridge.

Neighbor Florine Kuhn says the gunfire has the neighborhood on edge.

"Just contemplating the fact that someone just pulled a gun and decided that was the best way to solve the matter," she said.

Police officials say the Great Dane had the smaller dog in its mouth when the agent fired. The schnauzer was treated at an animal hospital for injuries.

"It's a traumatic experience for everybody involved, as well, because nobody wants to shoot a dog," Smith said.

The FBI agent has not been identified.

Anne Arundel County police and the state's attorney are now investigating. FBI officials say they are also looking into the case since the agent used his service weapon.

Police say there were no previous reports about aggressive behavior from the Great Dane.

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