FORT WASHINGTON, Md. — Prince George's County police reported that a woman was severely injured in a dog attack Wednesday in Fort Washington, Maryland. She was transported to a local hospital, and police said she is stable and in critical condition.
Police chief Henry Stawinski said officers were called to the 11000 block of McKay Road around 7:50 p.m. when a neighbor called 911 after hearing a woman screaming for help. Two officers arrived almost simultaneously, and found the woman on the ground being attacked by two large dogs outside of a home, Stawinski said.
The first officer was not able to scare the dogs away and shot once striking a dog, according to Stawinski. The dog walked a short distance before succumbing to its injuries. The dog was pronounced dead and is in the custody of animal control, Stawinski said.
The second officer also fired one shot and the second dog fled the scene, according to Stawinski. Officials originally said that they thought they shot the second dog before it ran away. But at their news conference on Thursday afternoon, authorities clarified that they have since found the dog and said it wasn't shot.The dog was surrendered to animal control, and will be euthanized.
Stawinski said police believe they have identified the owner of the residence that they have "strong reason to believe the dogs are associated with," and are working to contact the owner. He said police have not received prior calls for animal control from that residence
A third dog was found downstairs in a cage and is now in the custody of animal control.
Police said they are operating under the assumption that the woman attacked is associated with the residence.
"We believe she is associated with this home, but we're not certain her relationship to whomever else may be in that home," Stawinski said. "It appears she may have known or been familiar with these animals as well."
Police do not yet know what precipitated the attack.
Per standard procedure, both officers were placed on administrative leave pending standard post shooting requirements, police said.