A woman was attacked by dogs as she walked the track behind a Long Island school Thursday, and police are warning residents to stay inside after one of the canines got away.
The attack by the two dogs was unprovoked, according to Nassau County police. Officials identified the dogs as "pit-bull-type."
The victim, identified by a neighbor as Sashi Sharma, 62, called 911 during the attack. Three officers arrived and opened fire on the dogs, killing one.
The other escaped and is still at large. Police described the dog as tan-colored with white on its stomach area, and are warning residents in North Merrick to stay in their homes.
"This dog is vicious," Detective Lt. Kevin Smith.
The dogs bit her face, head, legs and arms, mangling her left arm badly. She was undergoing emergency surgery, Smith said.
NY state police are aiding in the hunt for the dog.
A 67-year-old Merrick man was also attacked by two dogs Wednesday night in the same area.
The unidentified man was riding a bike at the time, and used it to fend off the dogs. He suffered minor cuts and bruises, according to police.
Neighbor John Fiedel helped the man escape in that case. It's not clear whether it was the same dogs.
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"Stay far away," he said. "Don't go anywhere near this dog."
