K9 Bites Bystander, Suspect During Pursuit

A man was in the wrong place at the wrong time Sunday after a New Rochelle police dog named Tank bit him while chasing down another man wanted in an alleged domestic incident.

The incident took place shortly before 9 p.m. after police received a call about the domestic dispute at 86 Mayflower Ave. Lanza, 21, of Queens, had allegedly assaulted his 18-year-old girlfriend inside her home. The incident allegedly took place in front of their child, according to police reports.

Lanza reportedly punched the victim in the face several times during the altercation. The victim called police, but Lanza left the scene and a pursuit ensued.

Lanza fled south, toward Lincoln Avenue, and a police canine was deployed. A man, whose name was withheld, had exited a nearby deli into the dog’s path.

The police dog bit the man on the leg, before continuing his pursuit of Lanza. It is unclear if the canine's handler had control of the dog’s leash at the time of the incident.

Lanza was apprehended a short distance away and received bites to his leg and cheek. Both dog-bite victims were transported to for treatment.

Police said a crowd began to gather at Lincoln Avenue during the incident, but it was dispersed by police without further incident.

Lanza was charged with misdemeanor charges of assault, endangering the welfare of a child and resisting arrest.

New Rochelle Police Capt. Joseph Schaller said the handling of the police dog during the incident will be reviewed by the patrol division and, possibly, internal affairs.