Webb City Police are seeking to arrest a 43-year-old Oronogo man they suspect of assaulting a Webb City resident and stealing two dogs.

At 5:30 p.m. Monday, officers were called to the 1000 block of W. First St. in reference to a burglary and assault in progress.

When they arrived, they were told that a 43-year-old man from Oronogo had kicked in the rear door of the residence, assaulted the resident and then took two of three dogs before fleeing from the scene in his vehicle.

While officers were conducting their investigation, the third dog, which had been contained in the backyard fence, somehow escaped, ran across the street and began aggressively charging at a neighbor and an officer.

Police Chief Don Melton said the officer was either knocked down or tripped and fell while backpedaling. The officer, then on the ground, fired at the still-attacking dog. The injured dog was found several blocks away and taken to a local veterinarian, where it was euthanized because of the seriousness of its injuries.

As of Wednesday, Melton said the officer is OK but shaken.

Charges of burglary, stealing and third degree assault are being sought against the 43-year-old Oronogo suspect, who was still at large. 

No charges are sought against the victim for the third dog getting loose.