FELLSMERE, Fla. – A Florida police officer shot and killed a bull Wednesday morning while trying to defend children at a bus stop.
The incident happened in Fellsmere, about 20 miles northwest of Vero Beach.
Nicholas Seuderling called 911 to report that a bull was running loose inside an apartment complex.
LISTEN: 911 caller reports bull
Seuderling told police that he was texting on his cellphone when he looked up and saw the bull "staring him in the face." Seuderling said he got up and ran toward the apartment complex, but the bull ran after him.
"Complainant advised there's a bull running around the complex," a 911 dispatcher told police in a recording released to the media.
LISTEN: 911 police dispatcher communications about bull
Officer Jeff Gibbs arrived and saw the bull walking toward about 20 middle school students waiting by the bus stop. Fearing for the children's safety, Gibbs attempted to distract the bull.
When the bull turned, lowered its head and began to charge at Gibbs, the officer fired his gun, shooting the bull three times.
The bull was able to knock Gibbs to the ground and trample him before collapsing. The bull then got back up and began to charge at Gibbs again. Gibbs fired four more shots, killing the bull.
Gibbs drove himself to Sebastian River Hospital. He was treated for an injury to his ankle and released.
The bull's owner was issued a $115 citation for failure to keep an animal under restraint.
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