A Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department deputy shot and killed a dog that authorities say attacked a man in the front yard of a home in Lancaster Monday morning.

Deputies responded to a home on 20th Street West near West Avenue K8 after receiving a call about a dog attack just before 10 a.m., according to the sheriff's department. There, they saw a pit bull  viciously attacking  the man, who was lying down and appeared to be unresponsive and trapped inside the yard, the LASD said.

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It wasn't clear what prompted the attack.

Officials said the yard was fenced and had a locked gate, preventing deputies from intervening quickly. When a deputy made it inside, they made verbal commands but were unable to stop the attack, leading the deputy to open fire, according to the department.

The dog was hit by gunfire and died at the scene, the LASD said.

Deputies provided first aid to the man, who was later taken to the hospital. Details about his injuries were not released, though the LASD said he was stable.

Investigators say preliminary information indicates a family member who lives with the man owned the pit bull.

No one else was injured during the attack or shooting.

The case remains under investigation and is being reviewed in accordance with the sheriff's department policy.

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