Man shoots dog during altercation with transient group in San Bernardino

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (KABC) -- A dog was shot following a confrontation involving a man and a group of transients in San Bernardino. The shooter fled the scene and remains at large.

Police officers responded to a report of shots fired around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday near a transient camp at Perris Hill Road and Base Line Street.

An argument broke out between a man and a group of homeless people. Police said the man brandished a handgun during the argument.

According to investigators, a dog belonging to a homeless individual broke free and went after the man, presumably to protect the owner. That's when the man shot the dog.

The dog, named Boozer, was rushed to an animal clinic in Grand Terrace. He was checked by a veterinarian, who said the bullet went through Boozer's rear leg and then grazed the chest. Fortunately, the bullet did not hit any vital organs or bones. The vet gave Boozer some antibiotics and released him back to its owner.

The gunman fled the scene following the altercation. He was last seen heading north on Perris Hill Road. He was described as a white male possibly traveling in a white pickup truck.