An 80-year-old double-amputee has died after being attacked by four dogs.
Carlton Freeman of Harleyville, South Caroline was driving his motorized wheelchair last week when he was attacked by the dogs, according to Maj. John Garrison, a spokesman for the Dorchester County Sheriff's Department. The dogs were pitbulls.
The attack happened May 8, and Freeman, who had both legs amputated at the knee years ago due to diabetes, suffered injuries after being bitten by the dogs. Freeman was pulled from the chair by his legs and was savagely attacked as he tried to fight them off. Freeman told EMS that the dogs bit him and pulled at his clothing. He was taken to a hospital but died Sunday from the injuries after the attack.
"Upon my examination of Mr. Freeman, it is a wonder that this gentleman was able to hang on as long as he did," said Coronor Chris Nesbit in a statement. "He had bites and lacerations from his legs to the top of his head. This is very sad story, but even worse that Mr. Freeman was basically helpless to the attack, due to being a bi-lateral amputee."
Three out of the four dogs have since been captured and taken to an animal shelter. However, they have not found the fourth dog as of yet. Three of the four dogs found had traces of blood on them and belonged to a woman in the neighborhood, 61-year-old Barbara Goodwin.
However, no arrests have been made.
