Dog Shot By Off-Duty Officer on Route 206

An off-duty police officer from Hamilton Township, in Mercer County, shot a pit bull that bit his foot as the officer attempted to get the dog and another stray out of Route 206 traffic at about 10:20 a.m. Wednesday, police said.

The off-duty officer had stopped to help a Hillsborough Rescue Squad member trying to get the stray two pit bulls out of the road between Raider Boulevard and Amwell Road, where the dogs were creating a traffic hazard and in danger of being hit by a vehicle.

But as the two approached the dogs, they became aggressive and one attacked the off-duty officer, biting his foot. The officer fired one shot, hitting the dog biting him but not mortally wounding the animal—both dogs reportedly ran off towards a nearby residence.

Police said the Hamilton officer suffered a puncture wound and was taken to Somerset Medical Center for treatment.

Animal control officers from St. Hubert's captured the dogs, and the wounded dog is being treated.

The dogs' owner has been identified and police are checking to verify both are current on required vaccinations. 

Police are continuing to investigate the incident.