Fulton Co. deputy injured after being attacked by suspect's dog

OPPENHEIM, N.Y. (NEWS10) — An Oppenheim man was arrested on Monday after he allegedly let his dog attack a Fulton County Sheriff’s Deputy. Brandon Smith faces a felony assault charge, as well as a weapons charge from a separate arrest that day.

Members of the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office and New York State Police first responded to Smith’s home, located in the area of State Highway 29 near Bliss Road, Monday morning for a report of suspicious activity. Smith had reportedly called authorities after he believed two people were stealing from his property.

According to the sheriff’s office, Smith had shot a rifle into the air in an attempt to stop the theft, but it did not work. An investigation into the incident reportedly found that Smith had previously been convicted of a felony and was not allowed to possess a gun. He was then arrested and charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon before being released with an appearance ticket.

Several hours later, authorities returned to Smith’s residence to serve him with a Temporary Extreme Risk Protection Order. After announcing themselves as members of the sheriff’s office, he allegedly threatened to release a “vicious” dog from inside his home.

Smith then purposefully opened the door of his residence, letting the dog run outside and bite one of the deputies, causing puncture wounds and lacerations to his arm, authorities said. The injured deputy was subsequently treated by members of the Johnstown Fire Department Nathan Littauer Hospital Staff before returning to work.

Smith was arrested for a second time that day and charged with second-degree assault. He is being held at the Fulton County Correctional Facility pending arraignment. The dog who bit the deputy was not harmed, authorities said.