87°
The officer was off duty and in his personal car when he spotted the victim being bitten by three dogs on the 1500 block of South 58th Street, PPD said. The 21-year-old owner was "attempting to stop the dogs from attacking the woman," police said.
"The officer discharged his service weapon multiple times, ending the attack," authorities wrote in a release. The woman, 52, was hospitalized in stable condition with injuries to her head, leg, and arm.
One pit bull was found dead in the owner's backyard, another was recovered safely, and a third has not been located, according to police.
"Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack, including what prompted the dogs to attack the woman," PPD wrote.
The officer is 43 years old and has been with the department for two years, authorities said. He has been placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of the Internal Affairs and Officer-Involved Shooting Investigations.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Bucks and receive free news updates.
