Crime & Safety

Woman Bitten Twice by Daughter's Pit Bulls: Midlothian Police Blotter

A Midlothian woman watching her daughter's two pit bulls was bitten on the hand and the back of her leg on Saturday, March 2. The woman underwent surgery on her hand on March 4 at an area hospital. At least one of the dogs was euthanized.

A Midlothian woman is recovering at an area hospital following surgery, after she suffered two dog bites while watching her daughter's pit bulls March 2. 

The dogs were locked in separate areas of the house by the time officers arrived at the home in the 14500 block of Tripp Avenue. 

Police found the woman on the kitchen floor, with her right hand wrapped in a blood-soaked kitchen towel, according to the report. Officers helped the victim to her feet, noting the back of her left leg, near her knee, was also soaked through with blood.

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The woman was watching the two dogs for her daughter, Lauren A. Janssen, and they were playing together when one of the dogs' paws became stuck in the others' choker collar. The victim said she tried to free the two dogs, when one of the dogs bit her on the hand.

The dogs continued to struggle, trying to free themselves when the victim again reached in to try and help, when she was bitten on the back of her left leg.

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On March 4, police contacted the dogs' owner, Lauren Janssen, who said that both dogs were both up to date on shots and were currently at the Chicago Heights Animal Welfare Shelter. Police went to Janssen's home and were able to see the dogs' collars, which showed both were registered in Midlothian and had current rabies shots.

Officers completed Cook County Animal Rabies and Control Animal Bite report cards and provided Janssen with copies.

Janssen told officers that Chicago Heights Animal Welfare Shelter euthanized one of the dogs, but that she was unsure of the status of the other dog.

Police Blotter information is provided by the Midlothian Police Department. Charges are not evidence of guilt. They are a record of police actions taken on a given day, and persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. If you or a family member are charged or cited and the case is subsequently adjudicated, we encourage you to notify the editor. We will verify and report the outcome.


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