The deputy was treated and released from the hospital, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said.

SEFFNER – A homeless man and woman were arrested Monday (July 9) after a dog belonging to one of them bit a deputy, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said.

Deputy Annamaria DiLascio, 24, was taken to University Community Hospital on E Fletcher Avenue where she was treated and released.

Randy Lee Betts, 36, was charged with one count each of trespass after warning, resist with violence, and aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer. Ashley DeSouza, 33, was charged with one count of trespass after warning.

Hillsborough County Animal Services picked up the two dogs that were at the scene.

Deputies said they were called to a shopping plaza at 5662 Pine St. in Seffner about 9:07 a.m. after receiving complaints about a group of homeless people, along with their dogs, bothering customers.

Shortly after DiLascio arrived, she called for back up to get help restraining a dog. After repeated instructions for the owners not to release their dogs, deputies said, Betts released his pitbull which attacked DiLascio, biting her in the upper thigh and lower calf. Additional deputies arrived on scene and struggled with Betts before arresting him.

Photo shows Randy Lee Betts, left, and Ashley DeSouza.

Hillsborough Sheriff | Crime | Deputy Bitten | Arrests | Tampabay News

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