An Indiana deputy sheriff sprung into action last week when a dog attacked her 8-year-old son in her home, making the ultimate sacrifice. Tamieka White, 46, managed to protect her son but unfortunately died following the incident.
According to USA Today, White was pronounced dead shortly after authorities arrived. Police fatally shot the dog after the animal charged them. They confirmed the dog did not belong to White, and they do not plan to release information about the owners.
Indianapolis Animal Care Services has released a statement regarding the incident, explaining employees impounded the deceased dog and the three other dogs and a cat from the home. Staff cannot confirm the dog’s breed until after completing a DNA test, but they noted the dog appeared to be a “pit bull-type.”
White’s son was bitten and is recovering from non-life-threatening injuries.
According to CBS 4 Indy, the Marion County Sheriff’s Department is mourning the officer, who they remember as “a bright light to all that knew her.”
“We are immensely grateful for her nearly 17 years of service to our agency,” Sheriff Kerry Forestal said, according to the outlet. “We will work to uphold her legacy as a courageous and dedicated public servant.”
The department also remembers how much her son meant to her.
“She died last night protecting the most important person in her life,” Brittany Seligman, White’s commander at the sheriff’s office, said, according to USA Today.
White’s animals are being held as part of the ongoing investigation into the attack, per USA Today.
