Police say a service dog protected its owner and thwarted a robbery attempt in Essex over the weekend.

At 2 a.m. on Sunday, August 21, two suspects exited a vehicle along Eastern Boulevard at Orville Road, 21221, and demanded money and personal items from the victim.

When the victim refused to comply, one of the suspects produced a knife and slashed the victim’s hand.

The suspect then kicked the victim’s service dog, as the dog was attempting to protect its owner.

The second suspect then attempted to assault the victim, but the victim’s dog scared off both suspects.

No items were taken.