MOUNTLAKE TERRACE – A pit bull terrier mauled two women here on Friday, an attack that lasted at least four minutes and only ended after a police officer shot and wounded the animal.
The dog jumped from a deck at an apartment building and began biting a passer-by on the legs and head, Mountlake Terrace Police Chief Scott Smith said.
“It’s horrendous. It was completely unprovoked, and she was essentially helpless,” Smith said. “We have no idea why the dog attacked her.”
The mauling occurred outside the Maple Glen Apartments in the 5400 block of 212th Street SW. The woman was walking through the complex about 1:30 p.m. when the pit bull squeezed through the railings on a deck and ran after her, Smith said.
The 2-year-old dog latched onto the woman, tearing at her legs and scalp, Smith said.
The dog’s owner attempted to stop the attack, but the pit bull turned on her as well, biting her arms, he said.
Police arrived four minutes after receiving the first 911 call. The first officer on the scene saw the dog gnawing on the woman’s scalp. The officer yelled at the dog, distracting the animal long enough to free the woman.
The pit bull then charged the police officer, and he fired, hitting the dog at least once, Smith said.
The dog then ran toward the apartment where its owner lives, and she was able to put a leash on the dog.
The pit bull was turned over to animal control officers, who were authorized to euthanize the dog immediately.
The injured passer-by, thought to be in her 50s, was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where she was being treated for numerous dog bites. Her injuries were severe, but were not considered life-threatening Friday afternoon, Smith said.
The dog’s owner was taken to Northwest Hospital, where she was treated for less severe injuries, Smith said.
It was unclear Friday if the owner might face criminal charges, Smith said.
The dog had been secured and was not allowed to run loose. Police had not received any prior complaints about the dog being a danger, Smith said.
Reporter Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463 or hefley@heraldnet.com.
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