A Brevard County sheriff's deputy was attacked by a pit bull and severely bitten on his face Thursday while helping with the search for a wanted fugitive, officials told Local 6 News partner Florida Today.

The deputy -- identified as Lt. Alan Moros -- shot the animal during the attack, officials said.

Moros was transported to Cape Canaveral Hospital for treatment of the wounds, according to Florida Today.

"He's at the hospital and has two significant bites to the face. But he's going to be okay," said Andrew Walters, spokesman for the Brevard County Sheriff's Office.

The incident happened about 2:45 p.m. on the 300 block of Carmine Drive in Cocoa Beach.

Moros, a longtime department veteran, drove to the area to assist the department's fugitive team search for a wanted person. It was then that the dog attacked. Moros fired at least one round at the dog, grazing the animal. Brevard County Animal Control and Services officers later captured the dog.

It was not immediately known if the dog was a stray or if the attack was connected with the warrant search.

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