A Bridgeport police dog is being hailed a hero today after authorities say he helped save the life of a fellow officer.

Officers say the incident started with a traffic stop on Newfield Avenue and ended with a police dog helping to disarm a dangerous gunman.

Police say it was the quick thinking of K-9 officer Mark Martocchio and his police dog Trace that saved the day around 7 p.m. Tuesday on the east side of the city.

They say the pair was called to the intersection of Beardsley Street after a car was pulled over with four people inside. They say one of the occupants, Raybon Carwin, 20, was being taken out of the vehicle after admitting he had a small amount of marijuana on him. Authorities say he then reached for a 9 mm handgun and was about to use it when an officer jumped on top of him.

Police say the suspect was grabbing for the weapon during the struggle when Trace came to the rescue.

"If it wasn't because the dog ended up biting this individual, who refused to comply, this could've turned ugly. This could have been a tragedy," says Bridgeport Police Chief AJ Perez.

Police say the 7-year-old German shepherd is a couple years away from retirement and when he gets there it will be well-deserved.