A Meridian woman is hospitalized and her terrier mix is dead, after another dog owner pulled out a weapon to protect his pet.

Meridian Police responded to the area of N. Meridian Road and W. Chrisfield Drive after a call of a shot dog at about 5:45 p.m. on October 15, 2016.

Upon arrival, Police discovered a dead pit bull which had been shot one time. Officers also found a 31-year-old female owner of the pit bull who had been struck by what police believe was the bullet passing through the pit bull and into the owner.

According to Meridian police, a man was walking his dog when the pit bull which was on a leash broke free from the owner and charged the man and his dog.

Both owners tried to separate the dogs and when the pit bull attempted to re-engage the other dog, the owner drew his weapon and fired one shot striking the pit bull in the chest. The bullet also struck the pit bull’s owner in the abdomen as she tried to separate the dogs again.

The owner of the pit bull was transported to a St. Alphonsus in Boise and underwent surgery Sunday on her bladder.

The Meridian Police Department is continuing their investigation to decide if any charges will be filed against either party.