A pit bull terrier named Cleo bit a Seaside Park police officer at the L Street beach on Saturday.

The officer was called to the scene after a complaint that someone was allowing his dog to run freely along the beach. The L Street beach has a strict policy that requires pets to be kept on leashes at all times. When the officer arrived, the dog was safely on his leash.

As the officer approached the dog’s owner, it became upset and started growling and thrashing. The owner lost control of his pet, who proceeded to lunge for the officer. The dog bit the policeman’s index finger before its owner was able to regain control. Because Cleo’s owner did not have proof that the animal had received a rabies shot, the dog was supposed to be taken into quarantine.

However, before he could be secured, Cleo escaped from custody, ran into the ocean, and began swimming. He was nearly half a mile into the sea before a Seaside Park Fire Company Water Rescue Unit boat was able to locate and rescue him. Cleo was exhausted and did not attack his rescuers.

If you have suffered a dog attack, contact the Monroe dog bite attorneys of Levinson Axelrod, P.A., at 800-346-5529 for a free case consultation.