Warning: This article contains information that could be triggering to some readers. Discretion is advised.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA: Authorities informed that a vicious dog attack in Indiana claimed the life of a sheriff's deputy and seriously injured her 8-year-old son. Tamieka White, 46, was declared dead on the spot after Indianapolis policemen had arrived at her residence on the city's east side. She had worked as a deputy for the Marion County Sheriff's Office since 2007.
Officials added that the young son of the Indiana sheriff's deputy was also bitten in the dog attack, which was reported at around 7.45 pm, The Indianapolis Star reported. The 8-year-old son's injuries are not life-threatening and he is healing. According to Indianapolis police, the dog charged toward a responding officer, who then shot the animal to death.
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Who is Tamieka White?
White, a deputy with the Marion County Sheriff's Office, was discovered in a home's garage, according to authorities, WTTV reported. She was declared dead at the scene on Forsythia Drive. Local authorities regarded White as brave and devoted.
White had worked as a deputy sheriff for the organization since 2007 in the Judicial Enforcement Division, which is in charge of managing the transportation of detainees to and from courts, collecting past-due taxes, and issuing legal process papers.
'Police officers killed a dog'
The 46-year-old was watching over a dog in a house close to East 16th Street and Post Road on Tuesday night, May 9. When Indianapolis Metro Police arrived at the residence, they discovered White and her son with severe wounds. Police shot the dog, which was still violent, and it died, WIBC reported. According to authorities, there were several dogs at the house when they arrived. Police officers killed a dog they deemed to be "actively aggressive".
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department did not make that clear if the dog that was shot by authorities was the one that attacked the woman and child. According to reports, police contacted Indianapolis Animal Care Services to the area for assistance. According to WTTV, the animal agency removed one dead dog, one cat, and three alive dogs from the site.
'Tiny in stature with a very big heart'
"She died last night protecting the most important person in her life in a tragic animal attack in her home," stated Deputy Chief Seligman in a conference on Wednesday, May 10. "Deputy White was kind and compassionate, and although she was tiny in stature, she had a very big heart. You never saw her without a smile on her face, and she would do anything to help her friends, her family, and her fellow deputies," he added.
"She was a bright light to everyone, and will [be] missed by all who knew her," the sheriff's office shared on their Facebook, adding, "We will work tirelessly to uphold her memory."
