CAPITOL HEIGHTS, Md. — Some early bird commuter bus riders were delayed Friday morning in Southern Maryland, because a pair of aggressive guard dogs were roaming free, making it impossible for drivers to get to their bus safely and head out to start their routes, according to authorities in Prince George's County.
The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) reported that routes 640, 705, and 820 were impacted by early cancellations, but service was restored by 6 a.m.
An animal control officer was called to the Academy Bus Company yard on Rochelle Avenue in Capitol Heights at 4:13 a.m. according to a spokesperson for Prince George's County Animal Control.
Academy is a contractor that provides commuter buses for the MTA.
The officer was able to round up two loose Rottweilers that had escaped from Sagres Construction Company on Prosperity Court, according to a statement from the agency. An employee reportedly left a gate open at the construction company, who is permitted to keep guard dogs on site, according to county officials.
Academy employees told WUSA9 the dogs were aggressively chasing drivers who ventured outside. No one was bitten or injured.
However, with drivers hunkered in Academy's building for safety, early pick-ups on three major commuter bus routes serving Southern Maryland communities -- including Charlotte Hall, Waldorf, and Accokeek -- were delayed before the dogs were captured and service was restored.
The dogs were locked in secure kennels at Sagres after being returned by Animal Control. Sagres Construction was issued two first-offense civil citations at $50 per dog for allegedly allowing them to run at large.