LANCASTER — The Fairfield County Dog Warden's Office is investigating a dog attack that wounded a Lancaster police officer on Sunday morning, according to police officials.

Lancaster police were called to a home in the 700 block of Sheridan Drive for a well being check around 9:30 a.m. when the resident's "mixed breed" dog attacked them.

Police body cameras captured the incident, which shows officers talking to a resident in a driveway when a dog charges at the officers.

According to Officer Chad Helser the dog came at him first, but he kicked at it and it turned toward Officer Jim Schorr. Helser's report said the dog jumped at Schorr, biting his left forearm. During the attack, Schorr drew his gun and shot the dog once.

"The dog took off running towards the alley and then turned and ran into the back door of the residence," according to the incident report. "It appeared to be carrying its right front leg and was bleeding...

"The residents became upset and were yelling at us while they went inside the residence. They said it was bleeding all over the place."

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Just before the attack, Helser said he had warned the resident to "not let that dog out," but the dog had gotten out anyway.

Lancaster Police Chief Adam Pillar reviewed the body camera video and issued a statement Monday afternoon saying the department "encourages the responsible ownership of dogs and many of our members own k-9's."

The attack lasts about two seconds.

"The officer in the video backs up until he is cornered by the fence and structure around him," Pillar said. "The officer points his firearm in a safe direction, at the threat, and he only fires once as the dog is holding onto his arm. We believe injury to the officer's arm may have been lessened as the attacking dog immediately releases its grip on his arm instead of raking and tearing his flesh if he would have been pulled away."

The video shows Schorr holding his left forearm, which the dog had punctured, after the attack. He was treated at Fairfield Medical Center for the wound and released.

The officers had asked 911 dispatchers to contact a local veterinarian clinic to help the dog, but none were open on Sunday. Instead, it was taken to vet clinic in Canal Winchester.

Dog Warden Todd McCullough said once the dog returns from the clinic, state law requires the dog be quarantined for 10 days. The incident is also under investigation to determine whether the dog meets dangerous or vicious dog requirements.

"The outcome of that will more or less impact what the owners decide to do," McCullough said.

sremoquill@gannett.com

740-681-4342

Twitter: @SpencerRemo