Indiana sheriff's deputy mauled to death in dog attack while protecting 8-year-old son from 'pit bull-type' dog she was dog-sitting

An Indiana sheriff’s deputy was killed in a brutal dog attack while she was trying to protect her 8-year-old son, according to police.

Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy Tamieka White was mauled to death by a "pit bull-type" dog at her home in Indianapolis around 7:45 p.m. on Tuesday, police said. White was attempting to protect her son from the dog attack. However, the dog bit White's 8-year-old son.

Indianapolis police officers responded to the dog attack and found White dead at her home. A police officer reportedly shot and killed the dog after the animal charged at responding officers.

The boy suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

A neighbor told WTHR about the boy, "He was in shock. He kept repeating several things over and over concerning his mom. He wanted people to look at his injury, he kept saying that. It was underneath the clothing, so the paramedics and everybody took care of that."

Indianapolis Animal Care Services said that it took away the dead dog, three additional dogs, and a cat from White's house. The animal agency said it could not confirm the breed of the attacking dog without a DNA test, but said the dog was a "pit bull-type."

Indianapolis Animal Care Services noted that an animal control officer responded to a call about two aggressive dogs that were loose in the area on Saturday. The officer found two dogs that had gotten out of the backyard through a broken fence and a third dog was in the backyard.

The 46-year-old deputy had worked in the Judicial Enforcement Division of the Marion County Sheriff's Office since 2007.

A spokesperson with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department told the Indianapolis Star that the killer dog was not owned by White, but police have identified the owner. White was reportedly dog-sitting the animal at her home.

Marion County Sheriff Kerry Forestal said in a statement, "Deputy White was a bright light to all that knew her. We are immensely grateful for her nearly 17 years of service to our agency."

Brittany Seligman, White's commander at the Marion County Sheriff's Office, said, "She died last night protecting the most important person in her life."

The Marion County Sheriff's Office released a statement about the death of White:

It is with great sadness that the Marion County Sheriff’s Office shares the unexpected and tragic passing of one of our own, Deputy Tamieka White. Deputy White was a courageous and dedicated public servant, having worked with our agency since 2007. Most recently, she served in our Judicial Enforcement Division. She was a bright light to everyone, and will missed by all who knew her. We will work tirelessly to uphold her memory. Deputy White is survived by her son, who will always be a part of the MCSO family. Please keep her family, friends, and colleagues in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

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