Charlotte, North Carolina — Seven dogs escaped from the back of a U-Haul truck and allegedly attacked three people along a Charlotte street, leaving one woman hospitalized for 10 days with extensive injuries, according to a charging affidavit.
Two people have now been charged in connection with the Aug. 26 incident. Rychelle Morrow, 44, and Rodney Morrow, 75, each face seven counts involving animal abandonment, cruelty to animals, failure to vaccinate, failure to display rabies tags, a dangerous dog attack involving more than $100 in injuries, and unsafe conveyance.
The two suspects were arrested and booked on Sept. 16, according to inmate records. Both were released after posting bond on Sept. 18.
Seven Dogs Suddenly Spill Onto Charlotte Street
The incident unfolded on Claiborne Woods Road in Charlotte on Aug. 26, when deputies and officers responded to reports of a “dog mauling.”
According to the affidavit, responding authorities encountered seven dogs that were “actively attacking” neighbors Haley Wright and Aaron Westphar.
An officer attempted to stop the attack by using a Taser.
The affidavit states that the responding officer “pulled her taser in an attempt to taze the dogs.” One of the animals was struck and stopped attacking the victims.
The situation remained chaotic, however. After the dog was hit with the Taser, the officer reportedly “heard someone begging her, multiple times, to shoot the dogs.”
The officer then shot and killed one of the dogs involved in the attack. The remaining animals scattered throughout the street, according to the affidavit.
Third Victim Was Attacked Moments Later
The danger did not end when the dogs scattered. A third woman, Angela Johnson, was later attacked by one of the loose dogs, according to investigators. Police also shot that animal during the response.
Authorities later determined that the dogs had allegedly been transported in what investigators described as an unsafe manner.
The charging affidavit states that the seven dogs were “being conveyed in an unsafe and cruel manner in the back of a Uhaul Box-Truck.”
Investigators eventually obtained video footage that they say captured the moment the dogs escaped.
Video Allegedly Shows Dogs Falling From U-Haul
According to the affidavit, surveillance footage showed the U-Haul traveling along the 7000 block of Claiborne Woods Road when the vehicle hit a bump.
The impact allegedly caused the rear cargo door to open. The affidavit states that the truck “hits a bump and the rear cargo container opens, allowing all 7 dogs to spill out of the rear.”
Investigators further alleged that the dogs were then abandoned because “the owner did not stop the truck and return to the truck for the dogs.”
Security footage reportedly captured the animals attacking all three victims after they escaped from the vehicle. The circumstances surrounding why the dogs were being transported in the truck remain part of the investigation and charging allegations.
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Three People Suffered Extensive Injuries
The three victims — Wright, Westphar and Johnson — were all hospitalized with extensive injuries, according to the affidavit.
Animal Control assisted the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and Mecklenburg County authorities during the investigation.
Officials also determined that none of the seven dogs had rabies vaccinations on record, and investigators found that there were no active rabies tags displayed on the animals.
For the victims, the attack resulted in significant medical treatment.
A family member of Wright established a GoFundMe campaign to help cover medical expenses for Wright and her partner, Westphar.
Woman Spent 10 Days in Hospital
According to the fundraiser, Wright suffered extensive injuries across her body during the attack.
The fundraiser claims the dogs were being transported while the suspects were “being evicted” from a nearby property and were using the U-Haul to move out.
It further describes the attack, stating:
“The dogs were completely on top of her while she and her partner, Aaron, fought desperately to save her life.”
Wright reportedly spent 10 days in the hospital, where she underwent emergency surgeries. The fundraiser says she received more than 5 feet of sutures and a wound vac to treat the numerous lacerations.
As of publication, the fundraiser had collected just over $10,000 toward its $40,000 goal.
Johnson, the third victim, also described the aftermath to local television station WBTV. She said she required a rabies vaccination and several stitches following the attack.
The criminal case against Rychelle and Rodney Morrow is now moving forward after their arrests and release on bond.
What do you think about the circumstances surrounding this disturbing dog attack in Charlotte? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
