WEST COVINA >> Police arrested a man in connection with the unprovoked stabbing of a dog walker Saturday with help from the victim’s pit bull, who bit the attacker in defense of his owner, police said.

The victim, described as a 19-year-old man, was walking his dog along with his mother about 3:30 p.m. in the 600 block of South Glendora Avenue when the suspect approached, West Covina police Lt. Travis Tibbetts said.

“Without provocation,” the suspect stabbed the victim several times with a sharp object, the lieutenant said.

“After the stabbing, the victims’s dog chased after the suspect and bit him on the arm and on the buttocks,” the lieutenant said.

Officers soon found the suspect in the area, Tibbetts said. The man tried to run from police, but was soon captured. It appeared his flight was slowed by the wounds inflicted by the loyal pit bull.

The victim’s injuries were not considered life-threatening, police said.

Police took the suspect to a trauma center for treatment, Tibbetts said. He was expected to be booked on suspicion of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon.

The suspect’s identity was not available pending the booking process.