Video captures vicious dog attack of mail carrier in Detroit
DETROIT (FOX 2) - Detroit police are investigating a dog attack on a U.S. postal worker on the city's west side Friday.
The attack was captured on video, showing the mail carrier on the ground in the 20000 block of Ardmore. The dog can be seen attacking the 52-year-old man's foot and ankle while a woman hits the animal with a broomstick. Another man threw a trash container at it, to no avail.
Another good Samaritan comes to the man's aid and hits it with a wheel lock in the video posted by user Oneil Colley.
The dog eventually releases the man off-camera and lies in the street. Toward the end of the video it charges one of the neighbors who is forced to run back to his front door.
Detroit police animal control took control of the dog and the mail carrier is listed in stable condition.
The United States Postal Service released a statement:
"The Postal Service is investigating this tragic incident and working with local authorities. We are deeply grateful to the concerned citizens who came the aid of our letter carrier. Unfortunately attacks such as this provide the postal service an opportunity to remind dog owners that it is their responsibility to restrain their pet in order to avoid attacks against our employees while they are in performance of their duties.
"The Postal Service offers these tips for homeowners to prevent dog attacks:
"When a mail carrier delivers mail or packages to your door, put your dog in a separate room and close that door.
"Teach your children and family members to not take mail directly while the family pet is nearby. The animal may see that as a threatening gesture.
"Obedience training can teach dogs proper behavior and help owners control their dog in any situation.
"The USPS is using technology to help keep mail carriers safe. When a customer uses the Package Pickup application on usps.com, customers are asked to indicate whether there is a dog at the address. That information is relayed through the delivery scanners.
"If a mail carrier feels threatened, the owner may be asked to pick up mail at a nearby post office. And if a dog is roaming the neighborhood, the neighbors may also be asked to pick up mail at the Post Office.
"Thank you for respecting the privacy of this employee as he recovers from injuries suffered in this attack."
Stay with FOX 2 for more information as it becomes available.
CAUTION: The video below shows the graphic attack.