Police officers fatally shot a dog that they say lunged at them while they were trying to arrest its owner Friday morning.

Authorities say the responding officers fired at the pit bull mix to wound, not kill it. However, people who witnessed the incident on Mace Avenue say the shooting was unjustified.

Witnesses say police refused neighbors' offers to take the dog to the hospital. The pet eventually died from its injuries. Police say they had a warrant against the dog's owner, who resisted arrest. It remains unknown what charges he is facing.