West Philly man slain; detective attacked by victim's pitbull

Police are seeking suspects in the slaying last night of a West Philadelphia man.

Jason Hicks, 40, of Westminster Avenue near 50th Street, was shot multiple times in the chest outside his home about 8:30 p.m., police said. Hicks died about 40 minutes later at the Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania. Police reported no suspects or motive. Hicks has two prior convictions on drug charges in 2005 and 2007, according to court records.

Hicks had 13 pitbulls - five adult dogs and eight puppies - at his property; when Philadelphia Animal Care and Control Association handlers were removing the canines, one broke free and attacked a homicide detective, police said. The detective fired his gun at the dog, killing it. He was treated the Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania for dog-bite wounds on his left hand, police said.

Tipsters can call homicide detectives at (215) 686-3334 or -3335.