A dog was shot and killed by a Hempstead police officer after authorities say it attacked multiple people at Kennedy Memorial Park Wednesday afternoon.

According to police, officers responded to reports of a loose and aggressive dog at approximately 1 p.m.

When they arrived, the dog was actively attacking people near a playground. Police say an officer shot the animal to prevent further injuries.

Witnesses said the dog ran through the park before attacking at least two people.

The dog's owner told News 12 his 6-year-old Belgian shepherd escaped after landscapers allegedly left a gate open at his property. He said the dog was a trained guard dog and believes it may have felt threatened.

The owner said he is saddened by the loss of his dog, but wants everyone involved to be safe and believes officers were doing their job.

Several people who witnessed the incident described a chaotic and frightening scene.

"It was so big. We were all scared because it just came around," said Cabrina Brown. "We thought it was going to come this way, but it went that way. And then the police car was just following it that way through the grass."

Another witness said she watched the dog attack an older man.

"We see him chasing down an old man and it starts biting him," said Aylin Vanegas. "And the guy was trying to run away from him, but it kept biting him."

Officials say at least two people were transported to local hospitals for treatment of their injuries.

The dog was removed from the scene by animal control.