TN woman dead after dog attack; police warn public
UPDATE:
Both dogs involved in the incident have been captured, according to the Bolivar Police Department.
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MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A woman is dead after police say she was attacked by two dogs in Bolivar early Monday morning.
According to reports, around 1:30 a.m., Bolivar Police responded to a distress call in the area of Sycamore and Mitchell Streets regarding a woman who was found bleeding on the road.
The woman was later identified as Theresa Rhodes. She was found to be in critical condition with “extensive injuries” from a dog attack.
Police say two dogs were in the area at the time of the incident.
In order to administer first aid to Rhodes, an officer shot at the dogs, injuring one of them. Both of the dogs then fled the scene and have not been located.
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Rhodes was transported to Bolivar General Hospital for medical treatment but later died from her injuries.
“It was like kind of hard to sleep because knowing something like this happened here,” neighbor Donell Polk said. “I’ve never seen nothing like this happen in this town like that.”
Polk told WREG that he didn’t know Rhodes personally, but was the one who called police when he heard her in distress early Monday morning.
The Bolivar Police Department says they are collaborating with animal control to locate the dogs involved in the incident.
“To know that we have stray dogs in the neighborhood like that that can actually harm somebody like that, yeah it’s frightening,” Polk said.
The police department posted an advisory on their Facebook page on Monday morning, warning the public about the dogs.
One of the dogs was caught on camera, and the other is described as being blue-grey in color with features similar to a pit bull.
“Please be hyper-vigilant while outdoors or walking around this neighborhood,” said the City of Bolivar Police Department.
If you see the dogs, police advise you not to approach them, but to call the Hardeman County 911 Emergency Communications District at 731-658-1902.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Ms. Theresa Rhodes during this difficult time,” stated Chief Mike Jones of the Bolivar Police Department. “Our officers responded swiftly and professionally to the situation, and we are actively working to ensure the safety of our community.”
The investigation is ongoing.
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