A man who shot and killed one of two reportedly aggressive pit bulls Tuesday morning will not face charges, city police said in a post to crimewatch.com.

Shortly before 7:30 a.m., dispatchers received a call of a white male with long hair, wearing a bulletproof vest, who fired approximately five shots toward the two pit bulls using an AR-style rifle, in the 300 block of Center Street, according to scanner reports.

“One of the pit bulls involved in the recent incidents was shot and killed after entering a resident’s property and posing a threat to the safety of those on the property,” the crimewatch.com statement said.

Following their investigation, police determined that the shooter had acted within their legal rights and would not face charges for the incident.

The second dog was located at its owner’s residence, uninjured, police said.

A section of fencing around the owner’s property was found to have been temporarily secured with a bungee cord, possibly contributing to the dogs’ repeated escapes, the release said.

“The City Streets & Parks Department is responding to temporarily secure the fence pending further evaluation by Pennsylvania Dog Law Enforcement,” city police said on crimewatch.com.

Charges are pending against the dogs’ owner, as the investigation is ongoing. State Dog Law Enforcement has been notified of the incident and the location of the remaining dog.

Just yesterday, city police addressed repeated reports of the two canines running loose throughout the city, noting that while they are able to investigate the complaints and issue citations, they are not legally permitted to remove the dogs from the owner.

That power lies with the state Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement, they noted.

“We understand the community’s frustration, especially following reports of cats being injured or killed by these dogs,” police said in the earlier statement.

“We have been in contact with Dog Law officials regarding these incidents and are working with them toward a long-term solution. We share the community’s concerns and frustration and will continue documenting incidents and taking enforcement action,” the earlier statement said.

“In situations involving repeated attacks on other animals, Pennsylvania law does provide a “dangerous dog” process. This is a legal proceeding that must be handled through the courts and cannot be done immediately or at the discretion of local police alone,” police said in the crimewatch.com post.

Police urge residents who have experienced incidents involving the two dogs, or who have relevant information to contact Pennsylvania Dog Law Enforcement at 717-787-3062, or file an online complaint at https://services.agriculture.pa.gov/DogLawComplaintFormSSL/.

Additional information on state dangerous dog provisions can be found at https://www.pa.gov/agencies/pda/animals/information-about-dogs/dog-owners/dangerous-dogs.

“The Williamsport Bureau of Police remains in contact with Dog Law officials and will continue to assist with any ongoing investigation and enforcement action,” the statement concluded.