Police Chief Gene Fretheim has been on the job since May.

The restraining order was sought by Maricopa resident Lisa Chavez. The case stems from an incident on Sept. 8 when Fretheim admitted he shot and killed Chavez' pit bull.

Maddy, a dog shot by the Maricopa police chief, is seen in this photo provided by Lisa Chavez .

Chavez said she had let her dog, Maddy, outdoors to play that morning. Chavez claims she heard Fretheim whistling at the dog and that it had been snared by a dog catcher.

When Chavez went to get her boyfriend, she claims she heard a gun shot. Chavez says she then asked Fretheim why he shot her dog. Chavez claims Fretheim replied, "It was a pit bull."

Chief Fretheim admits he shot the dog but said he did so because the dog charged him.

But other Maricopa residents tell Eyewitness News a similar story of Fretheim shooting their dogs for unjustified reasons.

The temporary restraining order prohibits Fretheim from approaching Chavez, her boyfriend and her two sons. It also orders him to surrender his gun.

And it raises a host of legal questions for Fretheim and for the city of Maricopa.

Meanwhile, Fretheim says he will continue with his normal duties.

A hearing on the matter is scheduled for Oct. 15 in Kern County Superior Court in Bakersfield.