'Hero' pit bull saved owner's life during Springfield home invasion, brother says

A 9-month-old pit bull named Blu saved his owner's life Monday morning when the dog confronted a home invader, according to the owner's brother.

The suspect — or suspects — apparently shot the dog and fled the scene, police say, and have not been identified.

According to Lt. Jennifer Charleston, the dog suffered what appeared to be a gunshot wound to his leg.

Charleston said police were called to the 2600 block of West Monroe Street at about 11 a.m. for a report of shots fired.

More on pit bulls: Voters will decide fate of Springfield's controversial pit bull ban, council says

More: Police say man shoots, kills pit bull Saturday

Several police cars and an animal control vehicle responded to the scene.

Charleston said two people were in a bedroom of the house when they heard some banging, then bullets came through the bedroom door.

According to Charleston, the door was kicked open and the dog charged at the intruder or intruders.

More shots rang out, Charleston said, and the dog yelped.

A neighbor said she looked outside after hearing the dog cry out and saw a car leaving the area.

The dog apparently ran out of the house and was found a few houses down the block. One of Blu's paws appeared to be bloody, but the injury appeared to be non-life threatening.

The dog's owner did not speak to the News-Leader other than to say that the dog saved his life.

His brother, Dontae Williams, called Blu a "hero."

Williams said the incident shows that pit bulls are good dogs.

"Pit bulls do get a bad rap, but they're a nanny dog," Williams said. "Me and my family have owned pit bulls all our lives."

Williams said Blu should get an award for defending his brother.

"If that's not 'Dog of the Year,' I don't know what is."

Pit bulls and pit bull ownership have been hotly contested issues in Springfield.

Two Springfield toddlers were attacked by a neighbor's pit bull in July.

Two Springfield pit bulls were shot to death, days apart, in October.

Springfield City Council approved a gradual ban on pit bulls in October in a 5-4 vote. Upset with the decision, residents collected enough to signatures to put the issue to a citywide vote.

Residents will vote in August on whether to repeal the controversial ban on pit bulls after more than 7,800 people signed a petition.

More dog news: A stranger shot a dog in the face in Springfield. Others stepped up to foot the vet bill.

More: In tears, Springfield man who shot pit bull says dog had his pet by the neck