FRANKLIN LAKES — The officer who shot himself in the foot last week opened fire as he was being attacked by two German shepherds, according to police records.
David Blum, a rookie officer, responded to a Cobblestone Court home after a neighbor called the police to report that two German shepherds were running loose on the property, according to an incident report obtained through a public records request.
The caller told police that the dogs had scared a young girl after they charged at her when she was dropped off by a school bus.
About 10 minutes after Blum responded to the call, he reported that he had shot himself in the foot. Blum fired his weapon after the two dogs attacked him and he was bitten on the leg, the report says.
Blum was transported to St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center and has since been released from the hospital, Captain John Bakelaar said.
The dogs were not struck by gunfire.
Animal Control was called to the scene and the dogs were being held in quarantine, Bakelaar said. The owner of the animals has not been charged, Bakelaar said.
Residents at the home declined to comment on the incident. Several visible signs warn visitors to beware of guard dogs.
“Do Not Enter. Guardian Dogs On Duty. They Will Bite,” read the signs, which feature two German shepherds. It is not clear exactly where the incident occurred.
Blum was sworn in as a Patrol Officer in June and has been with Franklin Lakes Police Department for eight months, according to information posted by the borough.
Fausto Giovanny Pinto may be reached at fpinto@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @FGPreporting. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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