Mail carrier needs surgery after dog attack in Washington Township, officials say

Mail carrier says dog jumped through truck window

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A mail carrier needs surgery Friday after being attacked by a dog that jumped through the window of her truck in Washington Township, according to police.

UPDATE: Family to euthanize dog

The incident happened at a home in the 2800 block of Clamar Drive, officials said.

Police were called to the scene of a dog attack in Washington Township. (WDIV)

Macomb County deputies confirmed they were called to the scene for reports of a dog bite.

Witnesses described the mail carrier's injuries as "horrifying."

Neighbor Christy Durkee said she heard a horn blaring in her driveway and found the mail carrier screaming hysterically and badly bleeding.

The 20-year veteran told her husband she was leaning into the mail box from her open window when a dog jumped through the window and started biting her.

Her husband spoke with Local 4 from Henry Ford Macomb Hospital, where his wife awaited word on surgery.

After the attack, there was a tense standoff as deputies and Animal Control officials tried to take two dogs into custody, according to officials. Authorities said they waited for the homeowner to help them contain the dogs.

She said her goodbyes before the dogs were loaded into an Animal Control vehicle, according to police.

Animal Control officials are taking over the investigation.

Police investigated a dog attack May 10, 2019, in Washington Township. (WDIV)
Police investigated a dog attack May 10, 2019, in Washington Township. (WDIV)

About the Authors:

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.

Paula Tutman is an Emmy award-winning journalist who came to Local 4 in 1992. She's married and the stepmother of three beautiful and brilliant daughters. Her personal philosophy in life, love and community is, "Do as much as you can possibly do, not as little as you can possibly get away with".