WHEELING, W.Va. — Wheeling police are investigating the death of two men in East Wheeling after a pit bull attacked the man who was trying to help the dog’s sick owner.
Police received a call Sunday night to report to a home in East Wheeling where officers had to force entry. When they entered the residence, they found a man who was injured by the dog and another man who may have suffered a heart attack. The two men were transported to Ohio Valley Medical Center and were pronounced dead at the hospital.
Sgt. Greg McKenzie from the Wheeling Police Department could not comment on the result of why the dog attacked the man.
“We will let the autopsy and toxicology reports give us a better understanding of what actually caused the death of either of the two gentlemen,” said McKenzie.
McKenzie said he has seen dog attacks on humans before, but did not confirm it was a vicious pit bull.
Police are working to notify relatives, and are not releasing the names of the victims.
The dog was captured and removed from the home by Ohio County Animal Control and will remain quarantined. Officers said the incident is still under investigation.