Cleveland police officers were called to the scene of E. 138th Street and Harvard Ave., after witnesses reported resident Peris Rice was standing in the street beating a dog with a belt and a brick and then tried to choke him. But now an officer who responded plans to adopt the injured Pit Bull, reports Yahoo Shine .

Since the incident Patrol Officer Brandon Melbar has been fostering the dog and making sure that the pup is on the road to recovery. And according to a statement on the Cleveland Police Facebook page , Officer Melbar has decided to adopt the dog and name him Harvard.

Badges for Bullies , an organization that fosters the relationship among police, the animal rescue community, and the general public, paid for the costs of Harvard's treatment and follow-up care.