PGPD Investigates Departmental Shooting Involving Dog

Prince George’s County, Maryland… The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Special Investigative Response Team is investigating a police involved shooting that occurred in Clinton, Maryland.


On May 18, 2011 at approximately 7:50 a.m., patrol officers responded to the 12300 block of Windbrook Drive for an animal bite report. Upon arrival, patrol officers were informed that the children were boarding the school bus when the dog got on the bus behind them. Once on the bus, the dog attacked and injured four children before chasing another child off of the school bus.

Police Officer First Class Philchrist Tossou, a four year veteran of the department, attempted to gain control of the dog but was unsuccessful. To prevent further injury and the potential of other children being maimed, Tossou was forced to discharge his service weapon at the dog ultimately destroying it. The injured children were transported to a local hospital where they were treated for minor bites and bruises. Patrol officers remained on scene to conduct a neighborhood canvass in an attempt to locate the owner but were unsuccessful.

Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Special Investigative Response Team at (301) 856-2660.