Elkhart Sheriff’s deputies shot and killed a dog, and wounded another, after the animals attacked as many as four people.

It was just after 9 a.m. on Monday, June 12, when Elkhart County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the report of two dogs attacking multiple people near Melrose Place and Green Valley Parkway in Elkhart.

Upon arrival, deputies on scene determined that four individuals were injured, with two needing immediate medical attention for serious bodily injury.

Their preliminary investigation showed that a 79-year-old female was walking her leashed dog on Green Valley Parkway when two male Staffordshire Bull Terriers ran into the street and attacked.  Three citizens in the area rushed to the aid of the initial victim, however, they were injured, as well.

The dogs were found in the immediate area by the responding deputy.  Due to their active aggression, both were shot to protect the citizens and first responders on scene.  One dog died at the scene and the second was transported by the Elkhart County Humane Society for treatment.

A 79-year-old female and a 54-year-old male were transported by ambulance to Elkhart General Hospital for treatment of serious injuries to their backs and lower extremities.

Two 38-year-old females were assessed by medics for lower extremity injuries and declined further medical treatment at the scene.

The 79-year-old female’s dog suffered no apparent injuries in the attack.

Further investigation determined that Hector Valadez, 50, of Elkhart, was the owner of the dogs.  Valadez was taken into custody for two counts of Harboring a non-immunized dog as a Class B Misdemeanor.