SEFFNER, Fla. — A Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office deputy is recovering from injuries after being attacked by a dog.
Deputies responded to a shopping plaza on Pine Street in Seffner after receiving complaints about a group of people, who are homeless, along with their dogs, bothering customers.
According to HCSO, Deputy Annamaria DiLascio called for back up to restrain a dog. Deputies say that after repeated instructions for the owners not to release their dogs, Randy Betts released his pit bull, biting the deputy in the upper thigh and lower calf.
"One of those dogs could have crossed into my property and bitten one of my kids," said Jose Guandique. "I was very concerned."
The businesses in the Seffner shopping plaza are closed Monday night, but we found bicycles, bike parts, and a homeless camp in the woods behind the building.
"We definitely need the authorities to help us patrol the area more often," said Guandique.
Neighbors tell ABC Action News, they've called code enforcement multiple times, but the makeshift shelter always resurfaces.
"These are less-fortunate people, but we also need to think about protecting our kids and our families," said Guandique.
Deputies say Betts got violent when they arrested him Monday morning. He's charged with Trespass After Warning, Resist with Violence, and Aggravated Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer.
Ashley DeSouza was charged with Trespassing after Warning.
Hillsborough County Animal Services picked up both dogs on the scene.
Deputy DiLascio was transported to University Community Hospital on East Fletcher Avenue.
