The Washington Times reported on May 19 that Benjamin Srigley, 39, from Northwest, D.C., won’t be facing any criminal charges for using his unregistered handgun to shoot and kill a pit bull he saw tearing into a child near his home in late January.
Although possessing unregistered firearms and ammo in D.C. usually comes with penalties including one year in jail and a $1,000 fine, Ted Gest, a spokesman for the Office of the Attorney General, said “we took it into account that he saved this boy’s life.”
Although Srigley was ultimately discovered to have three unregistered firearms and ammunition in his possession, he entered into a deal whereby he’ll only pay the $1,000 fine and not have any criminal charges filed against him.
“In our recent memory this is a unique charge because of the unusual circumstances of this case,” said Mr. Gest, whose office generally prosecutes low-level crime in the District.
Back on a Sunday afternoon in January, 11-year-old Jayeon Simon and a friend were riding their bikes near Benjamin Srigley’s residence in the Brightwood neighborhood of Washington, D.C.
According to court records filed in D.C. Superior Court, three unleashed pit bulls pounced on Jayeon and attacked him.
Witnessing the horrific attack, Benjamin Srigley ran into his home to get his Ruger 9 mm pistol. While going after his gun, several other men in the area were trying to get away from the attacking dogs.
Srigley shot at the dogs from behind a fence on his property. Those shots “attracted the attention of a Metropolitan Police Department officer on bicycle patrol near the area.” Sringley ended up killing all three Pit Bulls.
Young Jayeon Simon survived the attack, but remains scared on his elbow, torso and leg.
Jayeon’s family is thankful to Mr. Srigley, crediting him for saving the boy’s life.
“I don’t think he should be charged at all because it’s an act of heroism,” said Chris Speight, 45, a cousin who helps care for Jayeon.
Authorities will be pressing charges against the owner of the three Pit Bulls, Alan Paige.
Paige, who also lives in the same neighborhood, is facing three counts of possession of a dangerous dog, three counts of having an unleashed dog, and three counts of allowing a dog to go without a collar.
Also see:
Two Golden State Warriors’ fans shot and killed following NBA playoff game
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