SPRINGFIELD, Va. — A police officer in Virginia shot and killed a suspected rabid coyote Sunday after it attacked three people and two dogs a day earlier in the area surrounding Lake Accotink Park.
According to Fairfax County police, the officer, who was part of a search group looking for the animal, was bitten from behind on the leg and turned to face the coyote before firing multiple shots, WTOP reported.
The coyote was found dead nearby.
Saturday’s victims, who were all adults, suffered non-life threatening injuries from the bites, and police did not indicate if they were treated for their injuries, WTTG reported.
Lt. Daniel Spital of the county’s public affairs bureau confirmed to WTOP that police began receiving calls Saturday morning from residents who saw the animal biting car tires in Springfield.
The coyote will be tested for rabies, and results could be received as early as Monday, the TV station reported.