Police shoot dog in fight at Bellingham skate park

BELLINGHAM — Officers from Bellingham Police Department who responded to an assault at the Bellingham Skate Park shot and killed a pit bull that attacked them on Saturday evening.

Officers were called to the skate park near Civic Field around 7 p.m. after witnesses reported that a man hit a 16-year-old boy in the back of the head hard enough that it knocked his helmet off, according to a press release from the Bellingham Police Department.

When the first officer arrived at the skate park and spoke to the suspect, Joel Votion, 27, Votion’s pit bull attacked the officer.

Other Bellingham Police officers arrived and were also bitten.

Officers Tasered the dog but it was not effective. Three officers then shot and killed the pit bull.

Three officers were treated and released at St. Joseph hospital on Saturday evening. One officer may be on light duty while his wounds heal, according to the press release.

Votion was booked into the Whatcom County Jail for obstructing a police officer.