‘Drastically affected my entire career’: Army pilot recovering after loose dog led to serious crash

GUYTON, Ga. (WTOC/Gray News) - An Army helicopter pilot is warning others about the importance of leash laws as he recovers from a serious scooter crash caused by an unrestrained dog.

Ryan De Leon said he was riding his scooter in a Guyton neighborhood in November 2025 when a neighbor’s loose dog charged toward him.

In an effort to avoid hitting the animal, De Leon swerved, crashed into a neighbor’s mailbox, and landed in a ditch.

De Leon said the impact tore tendons in his biceps, requiring immediate surgery and leaving him with permanent scarring and physical pain.

Since the crash, he says he’s been unable to enjoy certain activities and has struggled to perform his duties.

“I’ve never been injured like that in my entire career,” De Leon said. “I have to modify what I do because the Army has put me on a permanent profile. So, that has drastically affected my entire career.”

The helicopter pilot said he continues to face severe swelling, bruising and medical bills totaling more than $40,000.

De Leon said a lawsuit has since been filed against the homeowners after their insurance company denied liability for the crash.

De Leon said he initially tried to settle the matter with the dog’s owners as respectfully as possible, but the insurer’s refusal to cover his mounting medical expenses has forced him to sue the owners directly.

De Leon has hired attorney David Zagoria to assist him with the case.

“What really drew me to this case and Ryan is his service to the country. He stopped his physical therapy; he got himself good enough where he could fly his helicopter and not endanger his fellow warriors, but he needed to finish his PT, and he hasn’t yet because he’s flying for his country,” Zagoria said.

According to Zagoria, under Georgia law, proving that the dog was running loose, in clear violation of Effingham County’s leash ordinance, is sufficient to establish negligence before a local jury.

De Leon says the decision to speak out is about more than just medical bills; it is about protecting the local community.

Not long after the crash, De Leon says the same dog ran out and chased his daughter and her friend while they were riding a golf cart through the neighborhood.

“That’s why I need to tell the story because it’s clearly an issue. We can let folks know the importance of keeping your dog on a leash,” De Leon said.

According to Effingham County ordinances, all pets are required to be contained by a leash, fence or other appropriate means at all times.

Neighbors can report bites, loose animals and other leash law violations directly to Effingham County Animal Protection and Control Services.

The dog’s owners did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the lawsuit.