A Gastonia police officer has been hospitalized after an alleged attack by an off-leash pit bull at a homeless encampment, the Gastonia Police Department said.

The officer, who handles code enforcement duties, was checking on an encampment near Duhart Avenue and I-85, police spokesman Bill McGinty said.

When the officer entered the encampment, the dog charged at him and bit his leg above the knee, McGinty said.

The officer then shot and killed the dog, said McGinty.

The police department did not identify the officer who was bitten. He is being treated at CaroMont Regional Medical Center.

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