Pasco deputy seriously injured in dog attack

A 43-year-old Pasco Sheriff's Deputy was seriously injured Sunday afternoon when he was attacked by a dog that escaped its backyard in Zephyrhills.

The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 p.m. in the 39000 block of Cole Ave. Brent Taber, a four-year Pasco SO employee, was transported by ambulance to Tampa General Hospital.

He suffered severe lacerations to his left forearm.

According to a Pasco County Sheriff's Office report Deputy Taber shot the animal dead while defending himself. Investigators say he was in the neighborhood attempted to issue an arrest warrant in a grand theft case.

Taber did not locate the subject of the warrant but stopped when he thought a resident was attempting to flag him down. The person was actually just waving her arms the report states.

When the deputy was returning to his patrol car the dog attacked. An investigation revealed the canine freed himself through a gate at 39809 Cole Ave. and charged Taber.

The owner of the dog, Demetria Livingston, was issued a citation by PCSO for failing to contain her animal in a proper fashion. Pasco Animal Control also cited her for not having a proper tag on the dog.

The remains of the dog have been taken by Pasco Animal Control for further testing.