BEAUMONT, Texas — The two dogs involved in the "vicious" mauling of a Beaumont man were previously reported missing after they got out near Blanchette Elementary School.
Charlotte Wyatt, a Beaumont resident, was woken up Thursday morning by her 15-year-old grandson who heard loud screams coming from Sprott Park.
"It's horrible I mean to hear that man's scream and fighting for his life and there was nothing I could do," Wyatt said. "Other than call 911."
She opened her window and saw a 57-year-old man being attacked by two pitbulls. Wyatt said the man was fighting for his life.
"It was horrific," Wyatt said. "It was horrific to see him down there. I mean his clothes were practically pulled down because the officer told me he was bitten on his stomach, arms, the legs. They didn't do his face because he covered his face up, and that was a blessing and didn't do his throat or anything."
A Beaumont Police officer arrived and saw the Beaumont man on the ground, being "mauled by two vicious dogs," according to a news release from the Beaumont Police Department.
"Our officer was able to get there very quickly," Public Information Officer Haley Morrow said. "As the officer exited his vehicle, one of the dogs turned their attention to him and started chasing him and tried to attack him. In which case, he discharged his fire arm and struck the dog and killed it."
The other dog, described as brown in color, ran off into the woods and was later caught by Beaumont Animal Care Friday morning. The owner of the dogs, who has not been identified, reported them missing after they got out near Sarah Street.
The surviving dog will remain in Beaumont Animal Care custody for a 10-day rabies quarantine. A dangerous dog determination will be made after a full investigation is completed.
The victim was transported to the hospital with severe injuries and bites all over his body and had to have surgery.
"I have to take my hat off to Beaumont PD I really do." Wyatt said.
Experts at Beaumont Animal Care suggest carrying a weapon, such as a walking stick, and to never run away from an animal because it will give chase.
"Don't give up," Matthew Fortenberry, Beaumont Animal Care manager, said. "If the animals on top of you fight it off. Grab it by the head by the neck. Anything you can do to keep it from biting you anymore. Holler at it. I mean be very vocal to try to get the attention of neighbors."
The owners of the animals have not been found, according to the release.
Beaumont Police and Animal Control continue their investigation and are searching for the brown dog that ran off into the woods.
From a Beaumont Police Department news release:
Attentive neighbors and quick acting officer save a man's life this morning. This morning at 7:20 am, Beaumont Police received a call of a man on the ground screaming, being attacked by two Pitbulls near Sprott park in the south end of Beaumont. An officer quickly arrived and saw the 57-year-old Beaumont man on the ground being mauled by the two vicious dogs. As the officer ran to help him, one dog turned and charged, forcing him to shoot and kill the dog on site. The other dog, described as brown in color, ran off into the woods and has not been found. The victim was transported to the hospital with severe injuries and bites all over his body and is currently in surgery. The owners of the animals have yet to be located. Beaumont Police and Animal Control continue their investigation and are searching for the remaining animal.
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Beaumont Animal Care has apprehended the second dog from the attack that occurred at Sprott Park on 3/16/23, thanks to a vigilant citizen that noticed the dog roaming in the woods near the park this morning. An animal care officer quickly responded and with the owner’s assistance, was able to apprehend the dog. We can confirm that the two dogs pictured in the photo were the two involved in the attack. At this time, the dog will remain in our custody for a 10-day rabies quarantine. A dangerous dog determination will be made after a full investigation is completed.
Beaumont Animal Care would like to clarify any misconceptions about animal care officers apprehending strays. All calls for service are important and any vicious animal calls will be handled immediately. Call load and staffing will dictate the speediness of response to all other calls.
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This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.