PORTSMOUTH, Va. — A woman died after being mauled by three pit bulls in Portsmouth early Friday morning, police said.
According to the Portsmouth Police Department, it happened in the 1800 block of Atlanta Avenue. Police responded shortly after 1:30 a.m.
Medics took the woman to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, but she later died.
Neighbors who spoke to 13News Now said there have been several incidents at the property over the last several months involving pit bulls allegedly going after people on the street and biting.
One woman shared that her husband was bit in the arm by one of the pit bulls several weeks ago. A man who lives across the street that this was the third incident he's seen since moving to the area six months ago.
"The dogs ran out the house,” Lawrence Davis told 13News Now. “Four of them, and the little boys were riding down the street on their bicycles and the dogs ran out the door at them. They jumped off their bikes, onto the cars, and ran onto that porch.”
Portsmouth's police chief said, "Our hearts go out to the victim's family during this difficult time."
Chief Stephen Jenkins initially said police had not responded to previous incidents involving the dogs, but later corrected himself.
"It has come to light that Portsmouth Animal Patrol officers had indeed responded on three prior occasions over the last 12 months with one being for a bite injury," Jenkins said in a statement. "However, it should be acknowledged witnesses stated the animals were secure when this incident occurred."
Jenkins also said the pit bulls involved in Friday's attack have been removed from the home and were quarantined at an undisclosed animal facility. Portsmouth police said the animals were later euthanized on April 12.
"While these dogs ... no longer pose a threat to the Prentis Park community, we urge residents to refrain from trespassing or attempting to interact with animals without explicit permission from their owners, as this can help prevent future incidents of this nature," Jenkins said. "Additionally, we want to remind pet owners that it is critical to the well-being of others to keep their animals secure."