MP Woman Killed in Vicious Dog Attack, Sept. 28

A 42-year old Myrtle Pt. woman was killed during an attack Friday morning, Sept. 24, by a vicious dog on the 1700 block of Spruce St. According to a news release from Coos Co. District Attorney R. Paul Frasier, an emergency call was received by 911 dispatch at 10:15 a.m. indicating “that a female adult had been attacked by a dog and had suffered serious injuries.” A MP police officer was one of the first on the scene shortly after 10:15 a.m. While attempting to assist Amber Dawn LaBelle, the officer was attacked by the mixed breed Pitbull/American Bulldog. It reportedly weighed in excess of 120-pounds. The officer shot and killed the dog. Frasier says the dog is owned by a Springfield resident who reportedly placed the dog in another individual’s care. That person has been identified as Jeremy Robertson. “Mr. Robertson left the dog with Ms. LaBelle and went to run errands. The dog had been put in a bedroom with the door shut and secured.” After Robertson left, to run errands LaBelle’s two minor children arrived for a visitation. “Ms. LaBelle opened the bedroom door and was promptly attacked by the dog. The attack was witnessed by the two children (ages eight and five) and one was able to leave the apartment to get help.” LaBelle was transported to Coquille Valley Hospital and then flown to RiverBend in Springfield; however, she passed away from her injuries. DA Frasier wanted to publicly commend responding neighbors April Shaw and Cherokee McKenzie who came to the aid of the injured woman. Frasier added “this is not the first incident where this particular dog had attacked other individuals. It is our understanding that this dog attacked two minor children in Springfield in July of this year.” An investigation is continuing.