GUYTON, Ga. (WTOC) -An Army helicopter pilot is warning neighbors about the importance of local leash laws as he continues to recover from a major scooter crash caused by an unrestrained dog. Ryan De Leon was riding his scooter along Ruby Trail in Guyton in late November 2025 when a neighbor’s loose dog reportedly 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. The impact tore tendons in his bicep, requiring immediate surgery and leaving him with permanent scarring and physical pain. Since the accident, he says he’s not only unable to enjoy certain activities but he’s also struggling 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 affect my entire career.” Despite facing severe swelling, bruising, and $41,000.00 in medical bills. A lawsuit was filed against the homeowners after their homeowner’s insurance company denied liability for the incident. De Leon says he initially tried to settle the matter with the dog’s owners as respectfully as possible, but the insurer’s refusal to cover the pilot’s mounting medical expenses forced him to sue to the owners directly. “What really drew me to this case and Ryan is his service to the country. He stopped his physical therapy; he gotten himself good enough where he could fly his helicopter and not…
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