Dog bite victim still hospitalized

WISCONSIN -- The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department said a 52-year-old local woman remained hospitalized after law enforcement inadvertently tased and shot the woman while attempting to remove an English bulldog that was biting her upper thigh.

The incident occurred about 3 p.m. Wednesday when a 16-month bulldog named “Tank” and a Chihuahua left a resident’s yard near the intersection of 76th St., and 19th Ave.

A 30-year-old Kenosha woman attempted to pick up the chihuahua and was bitten by the bulldog, according to the Sheriff’s Department. The 52-year-old woman came to the woman’s assistance and leashed the bulldog until the Kenosha Police Department arrived.

As officers attempted to place the bulldog inside a vehicle, the dog got loose again and bit the 52-year-old woman in the leg causing severe injuries. An officer deployed a Taser, sending electric prongs into the dog and the woman. With the Taser having little effect on the dog, officers then shot the bulldog multiple times, and one of the bullets passed through the animal and into the woman’s left foot.

Authorities said the woman underwent surgery Wednesday night at Kenosha Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries. The woman declined comment.

“Although she sustained serious injuries, she expressed great gratitude for the actions of the police officers,” Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Dan Ruth said. “The injury could very well have been tragic if officers weren’t able to bring the situation under control.”

The 30-year-old woman and an officer were treated for bite wounds at Kenosha Medical Center. The officer was medically cleared to return to work on Thursday, according to Kenosha Police Lt. Brad Hetlet.

One of the 911 callers said both dogs frequently get out of the fenced yard.

Shawn Lievense, 36, is the owner of both dogs. He said he was not home during the incident and told officers a landscaping crew left his gate open. Lievense said his 12-year-old son was home at the time and witnessed the incident.

Per long-stranding protocol, the Kenosha Police Department turned over the investigation to the Sheriff’s Department, since the incident involved an officer shooting.

“Sheriff (David) Beth is committed to giving Kenosha Police full assistance and cooperation with the investigation,” Ruth said. “We’re happy to allocate the resources needed to conduct a full investigation.”

Authorities said Lievense could receive multiple citations.

(Kenosha News - Aug 21, 2015)

Earlier:

• Dog attack victim and dog shot by police