Associated Press - November 3, 2009 2:14 PM ET

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - A police officer shot and killed a pit bull as it attacked a Hillsborough County sheriff's deputy who was trying to serve an eviction notice.

Authorities said a Tampa police officer was dispatched after someone called to report loose, aggressive dogs in the area. A few minutes after the officer arrived, a deputy pulled up intending to serve an eviction notice at the house. When he got out of his car, the dogs charged him and started biting his right leg. He tried to escape, but 1 of the dogs latched on to his leg. The officer then shot at the dog, which turned to charge at him.

Authorities said the deputy returned to work later after being taken to a hospital.

Officers are searching for the owner, who they say will face criminal charges.

Information from: St. Petersburg Times, http://www.sptimes.com

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.