A woman was killed and an 8-year-old child was wounded in a Tuesday night dog attack in Indianapolis, police said.
The woman, identified by CBS affiliate WTTV as Marion County Sheriff's Office Deputy Tamieka White, was found in the garage area of an Indianapolis home, officials said. She was pronounced dead at the Forsythia Drive scene.
White Died Trying to Shield Son from Dog Attack
The child, identified by WTTV as White's 8-year-old son, suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
"First and foremost, Deputy White was a mother," Brittany Seligman, White's commander, said during a press conference shared by WTTV. "She died last night protecting the most important person in her life in a tragic animal attack in her home.
'Aggressive' Canine Shot Dead by Police
Multiple dogs were at the home when officers arrived, police said. Officers shot a dog they described as "actively aggressive." It is not yet known whether the dog shot by officers was the dog that attacked the woman and child.
Police called Indianapolis Animal Care Services to the scene for help, authorities said. The animal agency took three live dogs, one dead dog and one cat from the scene, the outlet reported.
White was described by local officials as courageous and dedicated. She'd worked for the Marion County Sheriff's Office since 2007. Most recently, she'd served in their Judicial Enforcement Division.
"She was a bright light to everyone, and will [be] missed by all who knew her," the sheriff's office posted on Facebook. "We will work tirelessly to uphold her memory."
Several Fatal Dog Attacks Across the US in Recent Months
There have been several deadly dog attacks across the country over the last few months. Most recently, a baby was killed and a woman was seriously injured in an Iowa dog attack that took place in early May.
Last month, a Minnesota man was mauled to death by his pitbulls while he was watching them for his brother. In February, a man in his 80s was killed and three others were hurt in a Texas dog attack. A Pennsylvania woman died after she was attacked by a neighbor's dog in March.
