Salt Lake City, UT (March 24, 2025) – An early morning incident on March 23 resulted in a Salt Lake City police officer being bitten by a dog during a trespassing investigation. The situation unfolded around 3:15 a.m. outside a convenience store located along North Temple Street, after store staff contacted authorities about individuals reportedly trespassing on the property.
According to an official statement from the Salt Lake City Police Department, two officers arrived on the scene and encountered a large group gathered in the store’s parking lot. Due to the size of the group and the history of public safety issues at the location, the officers requested backup. As they began speaking with the group, some individuals attempted to leave, prompting officers to ask them to stay to further investigate the alleged trespassing.
As one officer approached the group, a dog that was with them reportedly began barking before lunging and biting the officer. Though the dog had a collar and leash, it was not being held, allowing it to roam freely. Preliminary findings suggest the animal may have slipped out of its collar.
Officers say the dog’s handler tried but failed to regain control, despite repeated commands from police. The bitten officer attempted to retreat while continuing to issue verbal warnings. As the situation escalated, the dog allegedly charged toward the same officer once again. Other officers stepped in, and one ultimately shot the dog to stop the attack. The officer sustained injuries from the bite. No further injuries were reported. The incident is under investigation at this time.
We hope the injured officer makes a full recovery.
Dog Attacks in Utah
Utah sees its share of dog bite incidents each year. According to the Utah Department of Health, hundreds of residents require emergency treatment annually for dog-related injuries. While most cases involve family pets or familiar animals, incidents like this one highlight the unpredictable nature of dogs under stress or in chaotic public environments.
Let’s take a closer look at common consequences related to dog bites:
- Physical Injuries: Dog bites can cause deep lacerations, nerve damage, puncture wounds, or even broken bones. Treatment often requires stitches, tetanus shots, or reconstructive surgery depending on the severity of the bite.
- Psychological Trauma: Beyond physical pain, victims may suffer from emotional distress, including anxiety around dogs or post-traumatic stress. This is particularly true for children or those caught off guard in high-stress situations.
- Infection Risks: A dog’s mouth harbors bacteria that can lead to infections like cellulitis or, in rare cases, rabies. Medical care following a bite often includes antibiotics and monitoring for symptoms.
- Liability Issues: When a dog attacks someone, the owner or handler may be held legally responsible—especially if the dog was not properly restrained. This can result in lawsuits or criminal charges in some cases.
- Impacts on Law Enforcement: Encounters involving aggressive animals complicate already tense situations. Officers must quickly balance public safety, their own wellbeing, and the safety of bystanders while making difficult decisions.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog in Salt Lake City, call our Salt Lake City dog bite attorneys. It is important to take action quickly to preserve evidence, document your injuries, and understand your legal rights. Having a legal advocate in your corner can help ensure you’re not left dealing with medical bills or other damages alone. Our team can guide you through each step of the process with care and precision.
At Flickinger • Boulton • Robson • Weeks, we offer free consultations and are ready to help. If you’ve suffered harm from a dog attack or similar incident, reach out to our team at (801) 500-4000. We’ve been exclusively focused on personal injury cases for over three decades. With more than 150 years of combined experience, we work directly with our clients from start to finish—no call centers, no hand-offs. Our firm charges no upfront fees, and we don’t raise costs if your case goes to trial. We’re here to support you with legal representation that’s built around your needs. Let us help you get back on your feet.
