Man arrested after killing 2 dogs attacking his dog

A 20-year-old Indio man was arrested Tuesday night on various weapons charges after he allegedly shot and killed two ‘pit-bull’ type dogs that were attacking his smaller English Bulldog, according to authorities.

The Indio Police Department was called to the gunfire at 9:35 p.m. in the 43800 block of Main Street. There were several neighbors arguing in the street when they arrived.

After calming down the situation, police learned that Roberto Chavez shot and killed the two dogs, who are believed to live across the street from his house.

Specific details of the shooting are still under investigation, but at some point the dogs escaped their yard and entered Chavez’ property when the attack occurred.

Chavez told police that he tried to stop the dogs from fighting but was unable to remove the attacking dogs from his dog. Chavez then went into his home to grab a gun, which he fired at the two attacking dogs, striking them both.

The two dogs returned to their rightful property and died from their injuries, according to the Riverside County Department of Animal Services. Their owners requested to keep possession of the deceased dogs and make their own arrangements for care.

The preliminary investigation suggests none of the dogs were currently registered and neither of the attacking dogs were neutered.

Chavez was interviewed at the Indio Police Department after the shooting. Officers said the weapon he used was a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun that was found in a vehicle that left the scene prior to officers arriving.

Officers learned the gun was reported stolen out of Palm Desert.

Chavez was arrested for unlawful discharge of a weapon, possession of stolen property and for carrying a loaded firearm in public.

News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2 will track the developments of this story and bring you any updates as they come to us.