Star did exactly what you're supposed to do when you get lost. She found a police officer.

It was about midnight. D.C. police Sgt. James Black was stopped at a red light at 42nd Street and Benning Road NE, when suddenly a dog leapt through the open window of his unmarked cruiser.

The dark-colored female pit bull jumped on his lap -- and began licking his face.

"I went from being startled to laughing," said Black, who has spent 15 years on the force.

Scott Giacoppo, vice president of the Washington Humane Society, said he's never heard of a dog jumping into a police car for help. But "sometimes a dog senses when there are people who can help them," he said. "It's a sixth sense."

The dog was fortunate to find an officer it could trust, Giacoppo said. Another officer could have panicked and the situation could have ended much differently.

"She just happened to jump in the right car at the right time. She's very lucky," Giacoppo said.

The dog had a pink collar but no identification, so Black drove to a nearby 6th District police station with the pit bull still perched on his lap, her head sticking out the window.

At the station, officers gave her some water and food until animal control could take her.

The pit bull was taken by the Washington Human Society, which gave her the name Star.

She's still looking for a home. Star is described as a high-energy, athletic young adult pit bull terrier, between 1 and 2 years old. Star needs someone who can give her a lot of exercise and attention, Giacoppo said.

Anyone interested in adopting Star can go to washhumane.org or call 202-576-6664.

smccabe@washingtonexaminer.com