A woman from Hazel Park, Michigan, sustained serious injuries after being attacked by her three dogs on Saturday, October 31. The incident took place at her residence on East Milton Road, prompting a swift response from local law enforcement.
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According to Police Chief William Hamel, emergency services were alerted around 8:15 p.m. after a 911 call reported the attack. Officers arrived to find the 39-year-old woman on the ground, being assaulted by her dogs. In a bid to protect both the woman and herself, an officer quickly resorted to using her taser.
Hamel detailed the officer’s efforts in a statement, indicating that the weapon was deployed twice in an attempt to distract the attacking dogs. Unfortunately, while the taser momentarily shifted their attention, it did not incapacitate them, leading to a continued threat against the woman and the responding officer.
The officer, who was later bitten on the thigh during the struggle, tried various tactics to fend off the dogs. After using her taser, she also attempted to physically intervene by shouting at the animals and even kicking at them. Despite her injuries, she continued to assist the injured woman while trying to subdue the dogs.
As a second officer arrived on the scene, further action was necessary. A decision was made to shoot one of the dogs, which had already suffered injuries. The remaining two dogs managed to flee but were subsequently located and taken into custody by animal control. Reports describe the dogs as two pit bulls and a breed known as Pressa Canario.
Hamel justified the officers’ immediate response, stating that given the ongoing attack, waiting for animal control was not an option. “Lives were being threatened,” he said, emphasising the urgency of the situation.
The woman involved in the attack was reported to have sustained severe injuries to her neck, arms, and legs. Following the emergency, she was transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention. The responding officer also required hospital care but has since been treated and released.
Witnesses suggested that the attack might have been triggered after the woman brought home a stray puppy. Authorities confirmed that the dogs involved in the incident were not registered with the city.
The investigation is ongoing, with the Hazel Park Police Department looking into the circumstances leading to the dogs’ attack. A resident at the house provided details that pointed to the victim being dragged outside during the frightening incident.
Despite the traumatic nature of the events, Chief Hamel reported that the injured officer is recovering well both physically and mentally. He expressed pride in her actions, noting that she has only been on the force for five months. “She reacted how I would expect all of our officers to react,” he said. “She protected the victim as best as she could.”
As local authorities continue their inquiries, the community remains in shock over the incident. The police department has pledged to keep the public updated on developments as they unfold.
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