Dog Shot After Charging Deputy and K-9 During Search for Missing Man in Apple Valley

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A Sheriff’s deputy shot and wounded a dog on Thursday afternoon after four large dogs aggressively charged toward officers and a tracking K-9 during a search for a missing elderly man.

The incident took place at approximately 12:35 p.m. on October 29, 2026, in the 21000 block of Ramona Avenue in Apple Valley, San Bernardino County, California 92307, United States. Hugo Valdez reported on the incident for VVNG.com on October 29, 2026.

Deputies from the Apple Valley Station were actively conducting a ground search for a missing 90-year-old man suffering from cognitive issues. During the search, officers deployed a San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Bloodhound scent-tracking K-9 to help locate the missing individual.

As deputies walked along the residential street with the tracking dog, four large dogs, each weighing approximately 100 pounds, charged out from a nearby property toward the deputy and K-9. A deputy discharged his firearm to protect the team, striking one of the charging dogs.

Deputies immediately called Animal Control officers to the scene, who located the wounded dog and transported it to a local animal hospital for emergency treatment. Department officials confirmed that the missing 90-year-old man was later found safely and reunited with his family.

My thoughts:

• Unsecured, large dogs pose sudden threat hazards to law enforcement officers and working service animals in residential search zones.
• Rapid deployment of scent-tracking bloodhounds is vital for locating vulnerable missing elderly individuals suffering from cognitive conditions.
• Deputies must make split-second defensive decisions when confronted by multiple high-weight aggressive animals.
• Immediate coordination with animal control ensures injured animals receive fast medical transport and veterinary treatment.
• Property owners must securely contain large pets to prevent dangerous interactions with working emergency responders.
• Successful missing person reunions highlight the critical impact of fast-acting ground search operations.

Source: VVNG.com (Hugo Valdez), San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department (Jenny Smith), and Jacob Anderson