BEND -- The Bend police say one of their dogs who bit a jogger running past his handler's patrol car probably thought he was going after a fleeing suspect.



The Bend Bulletin reports that Officer James Kinsella turned his back momentarily on the German shepherd named Haras (ehr-us), and the dog slipped out of the officer's backyard and grabbed the jogger.



Lt. Paul Kansky says Kinsella brought the dog back under control, and the jogger was treated at the hospital. Police haven't described the jogger's injuries. The attack happened Feb. 2.



Kansky says precautions should have been taken, such as closing the gate to the yard. But he says the dog and officer are returning to duty after evaluations in the department and by the Oregon Police Canine Association.



-- The Associated Press

