PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Police Chief Nate Harper said the police officers shot 19-year-old Justin Jackson after Jackson fired shots at them. We initially believed Jackson was fatally shot after shooting at the K-9.

Pittsburgh Police Chief Nate Harper said the officers' actions were justified.

Police said they were responding to shots fired when the K-9 handler and his partner encountered Jackson.

The police officers said Jackson refused to show his hands when walking along Arlington Avenue and then pulled out a 357 Magnum.

Police responded by releasing the German Shepherd K-9.

Jackson allegedly shot the 6-year-old K-9. It died on the way to a veterinary hospital.

The bullet found inside the K-9 matched the gun Jackson used during the incident.

Police said the 357 Magnum was reported stolen after a robbery in 2006.

Jackson's family doesn't believe he had a gun and said he wasn't a bad guy.

The officers who fired the shots are on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure. The K-9 handler has been on the job for eight years, the other officer for three.

On Wednesday, Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl spoke about the incident. He said, "The police dog was enforcing the law. It was the dog's job to make sure the residents are safe. This is something that has been difficult on the police force and difficult for us. We feel for everyone involved."