Police officer attacked by his own dog

INDIANA -- A Pierceton Police officer was attacked by his own dog in his own home and today, is facing a lengthy recovery.

Jim Bumbaugh was home alone with the dog, a bull mastiff, and getting ready for bed when the attack occurred shortly after 11 p.m. Thursday.

Sara Bumbaugh told StaceyPageOnline.com that her father had “a great bond” with the dog, so when he went to pet it and it attacked, he was completely caught off guard. “He doesn’t know what provoked him,” said Sara.

Sara explained, “The dog tore up his left arm. I believe he got [dragged] by his neck and then bit a few spots in the right arm and maybe other places … He managed to flee out the back door and make it to the neighbors. Thankfully they were home and able to help him inside as fast as possible. The dog ran back to the house after that and is now in custody at the humane shelter. I know his neck and left arm was tore pretty bad.”

Jim Bumbaugh is scheduled for surgery today to repair injuries to his left arm. He also sustained a gash approximately 5 inches long to his head that went to his skull.

 “He is very lucky to be alive and had he not been able to make it to a neighbors where he got help, he may have died,” Sara said, revealing information she received from her grandmother.

Although an air ambulance was initially called and the Pierceton Fire Department was in the process of establishing a landing zone at Pierceton Elementary School, ultimately, Bumbaugh was transported by ambulance to Parkview Regional North Hospital in Fort Wayne.

At the time the attack was reported, the dog’s whereabouts were unknown.

(Stacey Page Online - June 6, 2014)