MASON CITY – Two Mason City gas mechanics were in the right place at the right time to help an 83-year-old woman after a pit bull attack.
NorthIowaToday.com reported that on May 2, 2018, a woman out for a walk in a Mason City neighborhood was attacked by a pit bull and saved by two persons who intervened.
Alliant Energy said today that Jeremy Fitzgerald and Luke Urbatsch were on their way to a job when they saw a dog running full speed through the neighborhood, near 20th Street SW and Harding Avenue. They watched the dog charge a woman walking on the sidewalk. The dog stood on its hind legs and attacked the woman’s upper arm before it latched onto her hand.
“After the dog attacked her, the owner came out and got the dog and went home. The owner never came back to check on the woman,” Luke said.
At this point, the two gas mechanics put their safety and medical training into action. Jeremy grabbed the first-aid kit from their truck, while Luke called 911. They used some gauze and bandages to try to stop the bleeding. Jeremy says her hand was losing a lot of blood.
“We were worried she’d go into shock, so we helped her sit down,” Jeremy says. “She was worried she was taking up too much of our time. We told her not to worry. We’re here for you.”
The two kept her company for 10 minutes until the paramedics arrived. The Mason City Police Department says the woman is bruised and heavily bandaged. Captain Mike McKelvey says, “The situation may have been a lot worse if Jeremy and Luke had not been there or intervened.”
“I didn’t think I’d ever have to use my safety training like this, “Luke says, “But I’m glad we were prepared.”
As NIT reported, the dog owner, Alicia Seidel, was subsequently cited for violations of city ordinance for animal at large, dangerous/vicious animal, and no city animal license. She was cited and released and has a scheduled court appearance on May 21.
