CONROE, Texas -- A man strangled a pit bull to death after it attacked him, officials told KPRC Local 2.

Conroe police said Von Pardue, 65, told them he was out for his daily morning walk near Tincker Street at Brewster Street around 5 a.m. when he was attacked by a pit bull.

Pardue was initially able to fend off the 80-pound animal with his hand, but the dog continued to attack him, police said.

"This wasn't one where the dog would bite you and run off. He was trying to kill me," Pardue said. "He jumped for my head and when he jumped, I got him upside the head with my fist."

Pardue, a retired truck driver, grabbed the pit bull and dragged the dog two blocks back to his home.

"I just bounced on him right in the ribs as hard as I could and when I hit him in the ribs, his jaws just popped open and I got my hand out," he said.

Pardue's wife called 911.

Officers found the dog strangled to death when they arrived, police said.

Pardue's hold on the dog's collar strangled it, according to authorities.

"I didn't actually know he was dead until I put him in the patrol car and he didn't move," Pardue said.

He was transported to a local hospital with bites to his arms and hands.

Officers said they have dealt with this dog in the past, finding the animal running loose in December.

Police said that the pit bull will be tested for rabies and the dog's owner could face charges.

The owner was charged with letting the dog run loose in December.