Dog shot by police officer during traffic stop

Police are investigating after an officer shot a dog during a traffic stop on Monday night.

The incident began around 8 p.m. in the 1400 block of 52 Street N.E. when police stopped a motorist for speeding.

Suspicious about the people in the vehicle, the officer called for backup.

One of three dogs in the vehicle jumped out an open window, lunging at the second officer and biting his abdomen, police said.

The officer shot the dog in the head, police said.

The dog ran away but was later tracked down and taken to a veterinary clinic. Its condition isn’t known.

The officer who was bit was wearing a protective vest and was not hurt, police said.

The major crimes unit is investigating, which is standard procedure when an officer fires his weapon.

The initial traffic stop is also still being investigated, police said.