A routine traffic stop in northeast Calgary became anything but when a dog lunged out of a stopped vehicle and attacked a police officer.
Calgary police pulled over a SUV for allegedly speeding in the 1400 block of 52 St. N.E. at about 8:00 p.m. on Monday.
Police say the female officer became suspicious of the occupants' activity in the vehicle and believed she smelled marijuana.
The officer called for backup and another officer arrived to help out.
Before searching the vehicle, she asked the male suspect about the dogs and he indicated that they would be fine while the officers conducted the search.
During the search, one of three dogs jumped out of the vehicle through an open window,lunged at the second officer, and bit him in the abdomen.
The officer pulled his weapon and fired at the dog, hitting it in the head area.
The dog fled the scene and was tracked down and taken to a vet clinic in the area.
The officer was wearing a protective vest and was not injured in the incident.
The dog remains at the clinic and is expected to recover.
Police are working on a warrant to continue the search on the vehicle and say the drug investigation continues.
The CPS Major Crimes Section is looking into the incident which is standard practice when a police officer fires their weapon.
