Watch the heartwarming this police officer saves a drowning dog from lake

 It was a case of being in the right place at the right time for a newly graduated US police officer who rescued a dog struggling in the waters of Lake Michigan in Chicago.

Footage of the rescue was captured by a news helicopter covering a four-car accident it's believed the dog had been involved in.

According to ABC News, helicopter crew spotted the dog approaching the waters edge to get a drink, but it fell in to the lake and couldn't claw its way back up onto the concrete ledge.

Probationary Police Officer Juan Farris had been called out to the car crash, but found himself coming to the dog's aid too.

"I heard the splash. Once I heard, I turned over, I saw him swimming, just went over there and grabbed him. I was hoping he didn't get too far, because it would've been quite the battle if I had to jump in," said Farris, who graduated from the police academy six weeks ago.

The dog, who didn't have a collar or chip, was coerced into a police car by the officers and taken to the station.

The officers are currently trying to locate an owner.

Source: NZ Herald