Pit Bull Shot, Owner Arrested After Chase

Kootenai County sheriff’s deputies said they had to kill a pit bull terrier in order to arrest the dog’s owner in Post Falls early Tuesday.

A deputy tried to stop Kevin E. Kunzler, 28, of Post Falls, for driving without license plates near the intersection of Spokane Street and Seltice Way. Kunzler kept going, according to the sheriff’s department.

Two Post Falls police officers joined the chase, which reached speeds of 100 mph and lasted about a minute. Then the 1971 Pontiac Firebird Kunzler was driving spun out just west of the intersection of Seltice Way and Mullan Avenue.

He fled into a field. Deputies threatened to send in a police dog, prompting Kunzler to surrender.

But Kunzler’s pit bull started charging the officers. “The deputy told (Kunzler) to call the dog off,” sheriff’s Capt. Ben Wolfinger said.

Kunzler refused and one of the officers shot the dog, according to police.

Kunzler was arrested on felony charges of attempting to elude an officer, driving with a suspended license. He also may face a grand theft charge for allegedly stealing the car and forging a bill of sale.

No one was injured.

, DataTimes