Woman Killed, Man Injured In Kentucky Pit Bull Attack: Sheriff

ARJAY, KY — A woman was killed and her husband injured in a pit bull attack in Kentucky on Christmas Even, the Bell County Sheriff's Office said.

Authorities responded to a call of a dog attack at 10:20 a.m. Sunday. According to the sheriff, Johnny Saylor woke up Sunday looking for his wife who was typically awake before him. Saylor went outside to his porch where he was attacked by two pit bulls, the sheriff said.

Saylor's brother heard the commotion and came outside, yelling at the dogs, the sheriff said. The dogs then released Saylor and he retrieved his pistol, shooting one of the dogs as it lunged at him, authorities said. The dog then ran from the scene.

According to the sheriff, Saylor then searched for his wife in the front of his house and found her lying on the ground. Saylor saw the second pit bull standing a short distance away and he shot and killed the dog, the sheriff said.

Saylor suffered injuries to his arm and head and was taken to the hospital via EMS. His wife, Lorrain Saylor, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities are looking for the pit bull injured in the incident.

Authorities said the dog owner, identified as 42-year-old Johnny Dale Lankford, was already in the Bell County Detention Center on assault charges. He was also charged with harboring a vicious animal.

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