Off-Duty St. Petersburg Officer Saves Infant During Rottweiler Attack in Parrish

Off-duty officer Dale Johnson with the St. Petersburg Police Department is being credited with saving the life of a baby following a violent dog attack in Parrish that left a family shaken and a mother facing what she described as her worst nightmare.

The incident occurred at a home in Parrish when a neighbor’s rottweiler entered their yard and attacked their puppy, who was on a leash. The woman, who was holding her 2 month-old infant, intervened and got the rottweiler off of the puppy. According to the sheriff’s office, as the woman was shutting the door to her home, the rottweiler lunged and bit the baby’s right leg. The off-duty officer, who was nearby at the time, rushed to help after hearing the commotion. Acting quickly, he intervened and stopped the dog, preventing further harm to the child.

Emergency responders transported the baby to John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital for treatment of a laceration that required stitches.

Neighbors described a chaotic scene as first responders arrived. The swift actions of the off-duty officer are widely praised, with officials noting that his response likely prevented more severe injuries.

The case has sparked renewed conversation in the community about pet safety and supervision, particularly around young children. For the family involved, the focus remains on the child’s recovery as the community rallies in support.