A woman was nearly mauled to death Wednesday night when a loose dog attacked her on Beech Street — and may have killed her if not for a nearby resident who ran to her aid with a sledgehammer.
According to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Palatka woman was walking near Beech Street and Hicks Street when a brown and white pit bull mix appeared and began mauling her.
Her screams were heard by a man working on a vehicle nearby, who grabbed a sledgehammer and struck the dog, forcing it to release the woman.
The man then used a T-shirt to try to stop the bleeding from a severe injury to her arm, put her in his car, and drove her to the hospital.
Deputies who responded to the hospital reported the woman had multiple puncture wounds to her right leg and extensive injuries to her elbow, nearly severing her arm.
Due to the severity of her wounds, she was later flown to a trauma hospital. Her current condition has not been released.
A dog matching the description was later seen near Date Street and East Lake Street but avoided capture. It may have an injury to its head from being struck during the attack.
Animal Control later reported that it has a dog in custody that matches the description, and detectives are working to confirm whether it is the same animal involved in the mauling.
Anyone who lives in the area between Beech Street, Hicks Street, and East Lake Street and has information about the dog or its owner is urged to contact the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office at 386-329-0800.
The Citizen will update this story as more details become available.
