Pittsburgh man says he stabbed dog in self-defense
PITTSBURGH (AP) – A man charged with killing a Pittsburgh police dog said he stabbed the animal in self-defense.
John Rush testified Thursday in Allegheny County Court he only wanted to injure the K-9 dog named Rocco so the animal would stop coming after him while police were taking him into custody on a bench warrant in January.
The 22-year-old Rush saidhe feared going back to jail and was trying to elude the police officers in the basement of a Lawrenceville apartment building when they released Rocco. The dog died two days after the stabbing.
Rush faces charges that include abusing a police animal and aggravated assault.
The trial before Judge Jill Rangos could end as early as Friday.