photo by: Contributed

The Lawrence Police Department encouraged residents to be on the lookout for -- but not to approach -- a loose dog, possibly a pitbull mix, wearing a blue harness.

The Lawrence Police Department on Friday night urged residents to be on the lookout for a dog, possibly a pit bull mix, in a blue harness that bit a Homeless Response Team member at Burcham Park.

As the Homeless Response Team entered the park with a Lawrence police officer, they encountered a group of dogs, including a tan-colored dog that showed signs of aggression, the police department said in a social media post Friday evening. According to the post, members of the group later heard sounds of a dogfight and discovered that one of the workers had been bitten on the arm by the dog. The police officer fired two shots at the dog as it charged at the officer, scaring it away.

The dog has not been seen since the incident. The police department post urged residents who encounter the dog to not approach it and to call dispatch at 785-843-0250 or 911.

The Homeless Response Team member received medical attention and was advised to consider treatment for rabies prevention, according to the post.