MIAMI -- A man who was attacked by a pit bull while walking his Chihuahua was released from Baptist Hospital of Miami on Friday, bandaged and bruised but thankful the ordeal was over.

It happened about 9:30 p.m. Thursday near Southwest 163rd Place and 102nd Street in Kendall.

Ozzie Fernandez said he was walking his Chihuahua when a pit bull emerged from the bushes and charged at him and his dog. Witnesses said it appeared the pit bull wanted the Chihuahua, but when the man tried to protect his pet, he became the target.

"The pit bull tried to eat him," said security guard Success Frederic, who came to Fernandez's aid.

Frederic heard the man screaming and came to his rescue. He told Fernandez to jump on the hood of his patrol car, but the pit bull had a hold on his leg, so Frederic drove around in circles trying to get the pit bull to let go. The hood of the car was bloodstained and had two flat tires that the pit bull apparently punctured.

A neighbor used a rope to lasso the pit bull and hold it until Miami-Dade police and animal control arrived.

Fernandez said he got 12 stitches on his arm and was treated for several bite wounds, but the father of two was otherwise OK. He said he would carry a canister of Mace with him on future walks, though.

"I like dogs and stuff like that, but this one was just crazy," he said.

The owner of the pit bull has not come forward, but because pit bulls are illegal in Miami-Dade County, a citation would be issued for whomever claims the dog.