A man who attempted to stop a fight between three pit bulls in Newark, New Jersey, was fatally attacked after the dogs turned on him, authorities said.
The incident happened near the Georgia King Village housing complex. Officials with Newark public safety said the man came across the three dogs fighting and stepped in to try to separate them.
Police believe the animals belonged to someone the man knew, which may explain why he tried to intervene. During the attempt to break up the fight, the dogs suddenly redirected their aggression toward him and attacked.
Although the man managed to pull away from the dogs, he suffered severe bite injuries and lost consciousness a short time later.
Officers responded to the scene, and the victim was pronounced dead shortly after 9 p.m., about 30 minutes after the attack occurred. Animal Control officers also arrived at the location.
Authorities have not said what happened to the dogs following the incident.