A Newark man is facing charges after he allegedly ordered his dog to attack when three police officers approached him for questioning in a road rage incident, authorities said.

Newark police said officers located Melvin Woodson, 46, of Newark, Wednesday night sitting in his car in a parking lot on Irvington Avenue, where a road rage incident was reported earlier in the evening.

As the officers approached his vehicle, Woodson opened his car door and ordered his pit bull terrier to attack the officers as he exited the vehicle with a hatchet in his hand, authorities said.

Officials said the officers were able to subdue Woodson after he bit two of the three officers. He, along with the two injured officers, were taken to University Hospital for treatment and evaluation. The officers were able to secure Woodson’s dog in a police car to avoid being bit. 

Police said Woodson is charged with three counts of aggravated assault on a police officer and is expected to face numerous additional charges. 
No other injuries were reported as a result of the incident, authorities said.