Homeless Man Arrested In Seffner After Sicking Pit Bull On Deputy

SEFFNER, FL -- A Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office deputy was taken to the hospital for treatment after being attacked by a dog that was reportedly intentionally released on the deputy by its owners.

On Monday, July 9, just after 9 a.m., deputies responded to a shopping plaza at 5662 Pine St., Seffner after receiving complaints that a group of homeless people with dogs was bothering customers.

When Deputy Annamaria DiLascio, 24, arrived at the scene, she called for backup to get assistance restraining a dog.

After repeated instructions for the owners not to release their dogs, Randy Betts, 36, released his pit bull who attacked DiLascio, biting her in the upper thigh and lower calf.

Additional deputies arrived on scene and struggled with Betts before placing him under arrest.

He is charged with trespass after warning, resist arrest with violence and aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer.

Ashley DeSouza, 33, was charged with trespass after warning. Both were booked into the Orient Road Jail.

Hillsborough County Animal Services picked up both dogs.

DiLascio was transported to University Community Hospital where she was treated and released.

Image via Hillsborough Sheriff

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