A Newark, New Jersey man was arrested for gun crimes after he reportedly ordered his pit bull to attack police investigating a report of someone carrying a handgun on a city street.

The suspect is an 18-year-old resident of Newark in Essex County, NJ. He was allegedly walking near the intersection of South Orange Avenue and South 10th Street while carrying a handgun.

Newark, NJ cops went the area to investigate and reportedly saw the suspect involved in a drug deal on Winans Avenue.

When police moved toward the suspect, he reportedly dropped a bag on the ground and made a run for it. Police quickly captured him.

Before police could put the suspect in handcuffs, he allegedly shouted instructions at his pit bull to attack the Newark cops. Officers then shot the dog, which subsequently retreated into a house. (The dog was later taken to a medical facility and treated for shooting-related injuries.)

Newark law enforcement searched the suspect and allegedly found him with two guns: a loaded 9mm handgun and a .380-caliber handgun. Police also reportedly discovered heroin inside the bag that the suspect threw on the ground prior to being placed under arrest.

The suspect has been charged with multiple crimes, including unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of heroin.

For additional information about this case, see the NJ.com article, “Police Shoot Dog After Owner Sicced Pit Bull on Officers, Cops Say.”