Charlotte County Sheriff's deputies responded to a call at 11 a.m.Nov. 20 about two dogs charging a man out for his morning walk in Gulf Cove.
The man reportedly shot and killed one of dogs.
Frank Gross, 63, who lives several blocks away on Flemming Street, told police he was out for a 5-mile walk along the same route he takes every day. He said two large boxer dogs were unleashed from the home at 5403 Holton Terrace. Gross said he yelled for the dogs to get back but they kept coming. Fearing for his safety, he reached into his fanny pack and withdrew a .22 caliber pistol and fired one shot killing one of the dogs; the second dog fled.
Dog owner Michael Bustamante, 28, confirmed he let "Astro," a 2-year-old 65-pound boxer, and "Libby" a 4-year-old, 60-pound boxer, outside without leashes to "do their business in the yard." Bustamante said his dogs often wandered from the yard but were friendly and would never hurt anyone.
Deputies talked to a witness who said he saw the dogs charging across the street towards the man and saw him pull out a gun and shoot at the dogs that were barking and charging at him. The dog (Astro) was about a foot away from where Gross was standing when shot.
Detectives reported Gross had a valid concealed weapons carrying permit. Animal Control declined to issue a citation as Bustamante had suffered a loss. CCSO reported the case closed.
