October 15, 2007 - Arson Investigator sustains multiple wounds after attack by Pit Bulls following morning house fire

Captain Chris Robinson was treated and released

A Shreveport Fire Department Arson Investigator is recovering from multiple dog bites after being attacked by two Pit Bull Terriers following firefighters saving one of the animals from an early morning house fire. Fire Investigator, Captain Chris Robinson was treated and later released from Willis Knighton Medical Center after receiving five “substantial” bites from the dogs after being assaulted during the course of his investigation.

Firefighters responded to the house fire in the 1700 of Midway Avenue at 3:47 a.m. After 20 minutes, they blaze was listed as under control. One of the Pit Bulls managed to escape the fire without injury along with the lone occupant, Donna Streetman, but the other animal, suffering from smoke inhalation was rescued and revived by firefighters on the scene. Streetman said that the dogs woke her as the home began to fill with smoke from a pot left on the stove.

In the course of his investigation, Captain Robinson went next door to the home of Streetman’s sister, where Streetman and the dogs were taking refuge following the fire, to interview her about the incident. When the sister came to the door both dogs ran out and attacked Captain Robinson. At first he believed that the dogs were just wanting out but they immediately locked onto his presence and made a straight line, running at him. The first animal bit his hand as he tried to fight it off. The other jumped and tore through his clothing and into his shoulder. As he turned to run he felt another strike in his side and one on his leg, and yet another in his buttocks.

Captain Robinson made it to the street where fire trucks and firefighters were still at hand. The dogs finally released and gave up chase as he circled a fire engine. He was treated at the scene by Fire Department paramedics before being transported to the hospital. Parish Animal Control has taken possession of both dogs and will conduct a rabies test. Captain Robinson sustained multiple puncture wounds from each bit. He is recovering at home. ###