Police: Man uses dog as weapon in robbery

By Associated Press Published: Jul 11, 2011 at 4:17 PM PDT
Police: Man uses dog as weapon in robbery
The pit bull police said was used in the robbery. The dog is with animal control Officer Jason Bryant. (Photo courtesy Multnomah County Animal Services)

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A father and son gave up their backpacks to a robber who threatened them with a pit bull, Portland police say.

Officers say the robber pulled on the dog's leash Sunday afternoon as if he were trying to hold back the animal, so the two gave up the packs.

The pair had been walking their bicycles along the Vera Katz Eastbank Esplanade flanking the Willamette River. Officers say 41-year-old Rodney Graves threw his bicycle at the robber, who continued to make threats.

Officers say they arrested 29-year-old Jan Leith Haga Jr., who didn't have an address, beneath a nearby bridge. One of the packs was recovered, and the white and gray dog was turned over to the county animal control unit.
 

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.