Lakewood Officer Shoots Pit Bull During Search: Prosecutor

LAKEWOOD, NJ — An investigation is under way after a Lakewood police officer shot a pit bull that charged him during a search for a man who had violated a restraining order, the Ocean County prosecutor's office said Thursday.

The incident happened about 5 p.m. Wednesday, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

The man was wanted by Manchester Township police on charges of stalking and violating a final restraining order, and was believed to be at a sober living facility adjacent to All Saints Episcopal Church on Madison Avenue.

While police were searching for the man, an officer encountered the pit bull, which authorities described as "aggressive," and said the dog ran toward the officer. The officer fired his weapon and injured the dog. It was taken to an emergency veterinary hospital by Lakewood EMS and is expected to make a full recovery, Billhimer said.

The officer was not harmed, and the investigation is continuing, he said.

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