A Hudson Valley police officer narrowly escaped a potentially deadly run-in with a fox.

Ellenville police say that the suspected rabid animal tried to attack the officer before he had a clear shot, forcing him to run and jump a fence when his firearm discharged.

The incident happened just after 10 a.m. at the corner of Mill and Center streets.

Police say 24-year-old Officer Harold Nunuvero was trying to get away from the fox when he jumped the fence, got stuck and fell.  This caused his service weapon, which was in his hand, to accidentally discharge into his chest.

Nunuvero was wearing a bulletproof vest and is OK.

Sgt. Robert Morse was also at the scene and shot and killed the apparently rabid fox.

"In real-time you never know what you'll get at a scene. It happened so fast and Officer Nunuvero showed good judgement in not discharging his firearm. He had the opportunity. He was being chased down. I commend him for that,” says Morse.

The incident is being reviewed by state police and the Sullivan County District Attorney's Office.

Officer Nunuvero is expected to be back on duty later this week.