Holly MatkinIndianapolis, IN – Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Deputy Tamieka White died on May 9 while protecting her six-year-old son from a dog attack.
The incident occurred at Deputy White’s home in the 1700-block of Forsythia Drive near North Franklin Road and East 16 Street at approximately 7:45 p.m., The Indianapolis Star reported.
According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD), the attack took place inside the 46-year-old deputy’s home, but the dog did not belong to her, KRIV reported.
Neighbors said she was dog-sitting.
IMPD officers ultimately shot the canine after it charged at them when they arrived at the scene, The Indianapolis Star reported.
Deputy White was found lying in her garage, according to investigators.
She suffered fatal injuries as a result of being attacked by the dog and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said the dog also bit Deputy White’s six-year-old son, but that his wounds were not life-threatening, according to The Indianapolis Star.
“She died last night protecting the most important person in her life in a tragic animal attack in her home,” MCSO Deputy Chief Brittany Seligman during a press conference on May 10, according to WIBC.
The deceased animal was seized by Indianapolis Animal Care Services, which also took custody of a cat and three other dogs found inside the residence, The Indianapolis Star reported.
The MCSO confirmed Deputy White’s tragic death in a press release on May 10.
“It is with great sadness that the Marion County Sheriff’s Office shares the unexpected and tragic passing of one of our own, Deputy Tamieka White,” the sheriff’s office said.
She served the MCSO for nearly 17 years.
“Deputy White was a courageous and dedicated public servant, having worked with our agency since 2007,” the agency noted. “Most recently, she served in our Judicial Enforcement Division. She was a bright light to everyone, and will [be] missed by all who knew her. We will work tirelessly to uphold her memory.”
Deputy Chief Seligman described the fallen hero as both “kind and compassionate,” WIBC reported.
“Although she was tiny in stature, she had a very big heart,” the deputy chief added. “You never saw her without a smile on her face, and she would do anything to help her friends, her family and her fellow deputies.”
The sheriff’s office said Deputy White’s young son “will always be a part of the MCSO family.”
“Please keep her family, friends and colleagues in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” the department said.
It is with great sadness that we share the unexpected & tragic passing of one of our own, Dep. Tamieka White. Dep. White was a courageous & dedicated public servant, having worked with our agency since 2007.
She was a bright light to everyone, & will missed by all who knew her. pic.twitter.com/Ibv3yYsCX9
— Marion County Sheriff's Office IN (@MCSO_IN) May 10, 2023
This is Tamieka White. The Marion Co Sheriff's Office says she died Tuesday protecting her son when a dog she was watching attacked. IACS says the dog was a pit bull.
White was an MCSO deputy. On @FOX59 & @CBS4Indy, you'll hear from her commander about the great mother she was. pic.twitter.com/N38oMNzTQE
— Eric Graves (@ReporterEric) May 10, 2023
Deputy Tamieka White, a 17 yr. veteran of @MCSO_IN. She and her 8 yr. old son were attacked by a dog. Deputy White didn't survive the attack. Family and friends say she had the biggest heart, and was an avid billiards player. pic.twitter.com/KitEUrUblb
— Kaitlyn Kendall (@KaitlynReports) May 10, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Marion County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Tamieka White, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
