A Suffolk man has been charged after allegedly attempting to shoot at a dog and hitting his girlfriend in the process, according to a city spokeswoman.

Albert Dow Etz Jr., 54, is charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and contributing to the delinquency of a minor following the shooting, city Chief of Staff Debbie George said.

Police were summoned to the home in the 3800 block of Pughsville Road at 7:45 p.m. March 31.

Investigators found two brothers had been arguing inside the home when their mother attempted to intervene, George said.

“One of the dogs was very protective of the mother, so the dog bit the 14-year-old juvenile,” George said.

Etz then came into the hall, where he also was bitten by the dog.

“The suspect went to a bedroom, retrieved a handgun, came back to the hallway and fired two rounds, striking the dog in the paw and also striking his girlfriend, who was the boys’ mother,” George said.

The woman was taken to Sentara BelleHarbour and later transferred to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. Her injuries are not considered life-threatening, George said.

Etz and the 14-year-old juvenile were treated for dog bites. The dog remained with the family, George said.

A court date is set for May 14.