Barking between Suffolk County neighbors over a pit bull came to a head Tuesday when a man shot and killed the dog.
The canine reportedly broke free from its leash this afternoon in East Setauket just as a group of kids were coming home from school, and began to attack the students, police said.
A neighbor told police that he witnessed the attack, and went out to defend the children – bringing along his legally registered pistol as a precaution.
But he claimed the animal quickly went after him, forcing him to pull the trigger in self-defense. The dog died soon after being shot.
The man later told police that the dog has a history of aggression that’s known throughout the neighborhood.
No charges have been filed. Police are investigating.
