Police Shoot Dog in Animal Attack on Fornance & Juniper Streets

According to reports from the Norrisotwn Police Department, officers were called to the area of Fornance and Juniper streets on Wednesday, May 9, shortly after 2:30 p.m. for a report of an aggressive dog attacking people in the area.

Once on the scene, officers observed a large black dog jumping on blue car in an apparent attempt to get at a man and three women inside. A fourth man outside the vehicle was attempting to keep the animal at bay by kicking it. The dog eventually retreated back towards a yard later identified as the property of its owner.

As the dog retreated, it caught site of a responding officer and advanced in his direction in an aggresive manner. The officer drew his service weapon, aimed at the animal and gave a loud verbal command to the dog's owner, later identified as 48-year-old John Clark Daywalt, of the 1300 block of Markley Street, to control his animal. Police say Daywalt identified himself as the owner and told officers to "go ahead and shoot it." The dog continued towards the officer who then reportedly fired one round. striking the dog in the left chest. The dog immediately retreated towards the yard where it collapsed.

Daywalt ellegedly became extremely agitated, yelling and swearing at officers and bystanders. He then retreated into his home. An officer retrieved Daywalt from the house to get his information, but he reportedly continued act belligerent, refusing to obey officers commands to stay seated. Officers say Daywalt had an odor of alcoholic beverage on his person, had an unsteady gait and was unable to stand without swaying. Police took Daywalt into custody and transported him to the station.

Police learned form witnesses that two area residents had been walking their dog in the area when Daywalt's dog attacked them, seemingly trying to get at their dog. Witnesses told police that Daywalt appeared and retrieved his dog, but threatened to release the animal if the two women called the police. It was at this time the women and another female bystander got in another neighbor's vehicle to escape the situation. Police arrived on the scene shortly after.

The dog's body was taken to the station for storage until it could be examined for possible disease. Daywalt was charged with public drunkenness, disorderly conduct, and allowing his dog to run at large.