Indiana Police Officer Shot in the Back by Colleague

A Lafayette, Indiana police officer was shot in the back by a colleague after a dog charged at the officers during an investigation Tuesday morning.

The officers were investigating a criminal mischief complaint at an apartment complex at 813 North Ninth St., between Salem and Union streets, around 10:45 a.m. Tuesday when the shooting occurred, according to The Journal & Courier.

During the investigation "a large, aggressive dog" charged the officers, forcing one to discharged his firearm, sending a bullet into a fellow officer's back.

Officials told reporters that the wounded officer was taken to Franciscan Health St. Elizabeth Hospital and is listed in serious but stable condition.

"There's a lot of unpredictable variables as a police officer when you're out patrolling and replying to calls," Lt. Brian Phillips said. "You never know what you’re going to encounter."

Animal control responded to the scene and retrieved the dog.

The incident remains under investigation.