It happened Tuesday in the 3900 block of Alder Grove Lane in southeast Raleigh.
A Raleigh Police Department spokesman said that during a follow-up investigation related to a stolen vehicle, an aggressive dog charged at an officer.
The officer attempted to back away but the dog continued to advance, and the officer fired his service weapon, striking and killing the dog.
"This is not the result we wanted, especially during the holiday season," the spokesman told ABC11.
RPD said it is working with the family who owns the dog.
The Internal Affairs Unit is conducting an investigation as is protocol when an officer discharges their weapon.
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