CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A 17-year-old girl was rushed to a local hospital after being attacked by a pit bull in a Charlotte park.

The teen was walking in Southside Park near Remount Road when the dog attacked her Tuesday afternoon.

Police believe the pit bull got off its chain from a nearby yard and wandered into the park.

Witnesses said the teen had bit marks on her arms and scratches on her chest. She was taken to a hospital, but her injuries are not life-threatening.

People who were in the park saw the attack and jumped in.

"I ran up the hill and grabbed a two-by-four. I hit it the first time and the dog didn't let go. That's why I hit it two more times, and it finally let go," said Jerrell McDaniel.

Police were called to the scene. They said the dog tried to attack an officer.

That officer opened fire, killing the dog.