FLORIDA CITY, Fla. – A vicious dog attack on a man in a wheelchair ended with that man in the hospital.
It happened Wednesday afternoon near Northwest 10th Street and Fifth Avenue in Florida City.
Residents told Local 10 News’ Alex Finnie that the victim is known in the neighborhood as Smoky.
“Smoky is an excellent guy,” said John Oz. “He is homeless, but he’s got people that support him. I’ve known him since 2018. He frequents Walmart. My wife knows him.”
Oz said Smoky remains in the hospital but is surrounded by family members.
“I know that he was in a couple surgeries to repair his arm,” said Oz.
Police confirmed that two dogs got out of a fenced-in yard and attacked Smoky.
Neighbors said the dogs that attacked go by the names Boo Boo and Jumpety, with Boo Boo described as usually calm and peaceful, while they said Jumpety has been aggressive before.
“Jumpety, the black one, he jumps over the fence. He literally can jump over the fence,” said a neighbor who did not want to be named. “I was very amazed and surprised by that. I think he’s very dangerous, because he did attack another person before.”
Florida City police said the owner of the dogs who lives at the home is currently in jail, and other people were taking care of the dogs.
Both dogs have since been removed from the home and are in the custody of Animal Control.