Dog helped fight off attacker during alleged sexual assault attempt at Colorado park

'Human's best friend' reportedly stepped in to help save the day as a scary situation unfolded in a Colorado park on Sunday night.

According to Fort Collins Police Services, officers responded to a reported 'suspicious circumstance' related to a call made by a female party who contacted 911 while in tears and while telling an unknown male to 'get off her.'

Authorities were able to pinpoint the location of the call, determining that it originated from near the center of Lee Martinez Park, which is located along the Cache la Poudre River in Fort Collins.

Once officers were able to locate the woman, a male was spotted walking behind her. According to the woman, the male had attacked her and she fought him off over the course of 20 minutes, preventing what she described as an attempted sexual assault. The woman's dog played a crucial role in deterring the man, biting him in the face.

The male suspect was taken into custody without incident, described by police as a transient from the Boulder area. The woman had no prior relationship with the suspect.

Medical support was arranged for the woman and the suspect was transferred to the Poudre Valley Hospital to be treated for dog bites.

The suspect was booked on charges of 2nd degree assault strangulation, unlawful sexual contact with force or threat, and false imprisonment by force – all of which are felonies.

All charges are accusations and suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.