A New Jersey cop was hit by a ricochet bullet on Monday as officers attempted to save a 10-year-old boy who was being attacked by dogs, according to the the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.
Police in the Borough of Sayreville, just south of New York City, reported to the Knights Inn hotel on Rt. 35 South shortly after 11 am for reports of a child being attacked by dogs.
According to Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone, a person called 911 to report that a young family member was being attacked by the family’s pitbulls.
When officers arrived at the scene they saw the dogs mauling the boy and began shooting at the animals in an effort to save the child.
During the shooting, one of the officers was superficially wounded by a ricochet bullet.
Both the cop and the child were transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital to be treated for their injuries. They are listed in stable condition.
Authorities did not say how many dogs were involved in the attack. According to local media, the animals were killed by police.
The incident remains under investigation, officials said.
Anyone with information about the incident, including surveillance footage of the area, is urged to call Det. Stephanie Redline at 732-745-3316.
