DA's office: Pit bull attack leads to accidental shooting death of Adams man by crossbow bolt

Posted Wednesday, February 5, 2020 9:03 pm

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Dog attack site

19 Bellevue Ave.

Adams, MA 01220

View larger map 19 Bellevue Ave.Adams, MA 01220

ADAMS — A man trying to escape two attacking pit bulls accidentally was shot and killed Wednesday by a crossbow bolt that a neighbor fired at the dogs in an attempt to ward them off, according to the Berkshire District Attorney's Office.

The man's name was not released, pending notification of family.

The incident began about 12:10 p.m., when the Adams Police Department received multiple 911 calls about a mauling in progress at 19 Bellevue Ave.

Responding officers and a K-9 unit found two mature male pit bull dogs "engaging in a volatile confrontation," according to a news release from the DA's office. Both dogs had a history of being aggressive.

The pit bulls then began attacking the officers, who, in response, used their weapons to "neutralize" the dogs, the release stated. After the scene was secured, investigators entered the apartment and found a man with a fatal crossbow injury and an unharmed child in a nearby room.

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Investigators believe the man accidentally was shot by a neighbor who was trying to stop the attack. According to the release, the neighbor heard a commotion, rushed into the man's apartment, went back to his own apartment to grab his crossbow, then returned to the other apartment.

He then fired a shot that hit one of the dogs, went through a door and struck the man who was being mauled. He apparently was trying to barricade himself behind the door.

The DA's office called the neighbor a "good Samaritan" who is cooperating with authorities.

As of 8 p.m., crime scene investigators remained on the scene. A section of Bellevue Avenue was closed, and authorities were examining the area for more evidence.

Other than the handful of police officers, the street was quiet, although neighbors were seen peering out of windows, watching the activity.