Dog shot during search

An Elizabeth City police officer was forced to shoot a dog during a search warrant on Tuesday.

Police tell WAVY.com, citizen complaints led officers to a home in the 900 blk. of Hunter Street on Tuesday, which resulted in the arrest of 23-year-old Eptwarnd Saunders.

According to police, the officer and his K-9 partner "Baska" were placed in clear and imminent danger of being attacked when a neighbor's Rotweiler/Lab mix, not contained on a leash rushed the officer and his dog.

The officer was then forced to draw his weapon and shoot the dog to prevent it from attacking.

Saunders, has been charged with Possession of a Fireman by a Felon; Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Schedule II (Cocaine); Maintaining a Dwelling for the Purpose of Drugs; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Misdemeanor Possession of Schedule VI (Marijuana).

Saunders was taken into custody and confined at Albemarle District Jail under a $27,000.00 secured bond.

The injured animal is currently at the Chowan Animal Hospital in Edenton receiving treatment. His injuries are listed as critical at this time.