Washington appeals court says pit bull dog is deadly weapon

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
 
TACOMA, Wash. -- A state appeals court in Tacoma says a pit bull dog is a deadly weapon.
 
In a ruling today the court upheld the assault conviction for a Vancouver man, Robbie Hoeldt, whose dog attacked a police officer.
 
The court says a dog is a deadly weapon because it can be used to cause death or substantial bodily harm.
 
A Vancouver police detective shot and killed the dog when it attacked him as he was trying to arrest Hoeldt at his home.