A Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer shot and killed a dog while searching for an auto theft suspect at a home near Sharyn Drive Wednesday night, according to a press release from the department. 

Officers from the department's Freedom Division, one of it's 13 patrol divisions, were searching a home for a suspect with multiple felony warrants. 

Police say while talking to people at the home, a dog "displaying aggressive behavior" escaped and charged at an officer.

The officer tried to push the dog away multiple times before shooting and killing the dog, according to the press release. The officer was not bitten in the incident. 

CMPD’s Animal Care & Control Division responded to the scene. Police say Animal Care & Control had received calls about the animal before. 

CMPD’s Internal Affairs is investigating the officer who shot the dog. 

After the shooting, the suspect refused to leave the home, and police obtained a search warrant and entered the home around 10 p.m.

Police arrested three suspects on charges including felony larceny, reckless driving and eluding arrest.