Victim's family speaks out after Theresa Rhodes was killed by two loose pit bulls in Bolivar.
Woman Killed by Dogs
Bolivar, TN - A 61-year old woman is dead after being attacked by two dogs, according to the Bolivar Police Department. The attack occurred in the middle of the night -- just after 1:30 am --- near the intersection of Sycamore View and Mitchell streets. When police officers arrived, Theresa Rhodes, 61, was bleeding in the middle of the street. Rhodes had "extensive injuries sustained from a dog attack," police said. Two dogs were in the area. An officer fired a shot at the dogs, and both dogs fled.
As of July 2, both dogs involved in this fatal mauling have been captured, according to an updated advisory by the Bolivar Police Department.
Rhodes was transported to Bolivar General Hospital for treatment but did not survive. "We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Ms. Theresa Rhodes during this difficult time," Bolivar Police Chief Mike Jones said in a press release. "Our officers responded swiftly and professionally to the situation, and we are actively working to ensure the safety of our community." Both dangerous pit bulls continue to be at large; the brown pit bull was captured on camera.
UPDATE 7/2/24 6 AM
Both dogs in this incident have been captured.The Bolivar Police Department is advising residents in the Sycamore Street/Mitchell Street area of two dangerous dogs that are roaming the area. One of the dogs was captured on camera and is pictured below; the other is described as being blue-gray in color with features similar to a pit bull. Please be hyper-vigilant while outdoors or walking around this neighborhood.
If you see these dogs, please do not approach. - Bolivar Police Department
One of the victim's relatives posted to Facebook, "It’s one thang dying because you’re sick but to be ate to death by some dogs just don’t sit well with me Lord have mercy." Another posted, "RIP you will be missed by many #WeWe." The victim was known by family and friends as "Wee-Wee," spelled in different ways. Four hours after Bolivar police issued the dangerous dog advisory, the post remains unchanged. Local media state that police are collaborating with animal control to locate the dogs.
One of the two loose pit bulls captured by Bolivar police after the dogs killed a woman.
Bolivar police issue advisory for dangerous dogs after woman killed by two roaming pit bulls.
View the DogsBite.org Google Map: Tennessee Fatal Pit Bull Maulings.Related articles:
12/16/23: 2023 Dog Bite Fatality: Man, 59, Killed by Vicious Pit Bull in Yuma; Police Issue Advisory
11/24/20: 2020 Dog Bite Fatality: Man, 65, Killed by Pack of Dogs in Florida; Police Issue Advisory
Law enforcement departments across the United States should release consistent "baseline" information to the media and the public after each fatal dog mauling, including these items.
Officer doing the shooting clearly needs more training on how to hit a target or the public at large wouldn’t be in danger right now.
May Theresa Rest In Peace her death was easily preventable if America was strict on the pitbull bans American wouldn’t died by those vicious pitbull.That why pitbull death is mainly in USA if they ban pitbull they wouldn’t have to put out a advisory for dangerous pitbull.
Maybe the sweet wigglebutts are safe at home and their owner has hosed the blood off. It has gotten to the point where we need to collect dog saliva for forensic ID of individual animals. Then again why bother, when killing your neighbor via your dog isn’t a crime anyway.
FYI — both dogs captured. No other news.
How do authorities
know that they have the right dog? What kind of proof do they have? Did the dogs run home? Do they have an owner?
Another preventable death. RIP