OHIO -- Police in Xenia are investigating after a woman was attacked by two pit bulls early Tuesday morning near the John Sale Apartments on West Second Street.
According to police, dispatchers received a call around 1:55 a.m. that a woman was being attacked by the pit bulls. Officers arrived and discovered that the woman was in distress and screaming for help.
As the officers began to approach the woman, one of the dogs started to head in the direction of the officers, forcing one of the officers to shoot one of the pit bulls two times.
The second dog then ran behind a house that is located on King Street. Medics were called and treated the woman before taking her to Miami Valley Hospital.
The second dog was captured by Greene County Animal Control.
”That’s the house they ran behind. We don’t know if they belong there. We couldn’t get anyone to come to the door. They do have a vicious dog sign in the window, but we are unsure if the dog belongs that that house,” Sgt. Chris Stutes said.
The victim was identified as Linda McGaughney, 59, of Xenia. She is the apartment manager at John Sale Manor. Police said she was walking her small dog when she was attacked.
The victim is listed in good condition Tuesday evening, family members tell Newscenter 7, Linda " has multiple dog bites to her leg and calves, but is happy her Chihuahua was unharmed. "
According to Xenia police, it appears that the officers acted appropriately with force to assist the woman who was being attacked and to protect themselves.
Investigators said they are still trying to track down the dog's owners. Neither of the pit bulls was wearing tags.
(WHIO - September 14, 2010)