A Linden police officer is recovering after he was attacked by a dog.
According to police, at approximately 9 a.m. this morning, officers were dispatched to the area of Bedle Place and Worth Avenue to check on the welfare of a homeless man.
Police said the man was living in a makeshift shelter with his four dogs. As the officer approached he was attacked by the dogs. The officer fired two shots in defense, wounding one of the dogs.
According to authorities, the officer was treated for a dog bite at Trinitas Regional Medical Center and released.
Police say the dogs were taken by the Newark ASPCA Humane Society for evaluation and treatment.
The man was released from the scene without further incident and was referred to an assistance program police said.
The incident remains under investigation by the Linden Police Department Internal Affairs Unit in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the NJ Attorney General.