USPS worker hospitalized after dog attack

Witnesses say dogs mauled 55-year-old Emogene Powell

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – A postal worker was hospitalized Tuesday after two dogs attacked her while she was delivering mail in Miami Gardens.

According to authorities, two dogs jumped a neighboring fence and mauled the postal worker, who has been identified as 55-year-old Emogene Powell.

It happened at 1410 NW 191st Street around 4:40 p.m.

Wilman Hilarie, a resident in the area, told Local 10's Ross Palombo she saw the attack.

"The dog tried to eat her alive," said Hilarie. "(She was) screaming, ‘Help me, I'm dying.'"

Witnesses said they helped tear the dogs off of the victim and took turns comforting her until rescuers arrived.

"There were some deep puncture wounds," said Captain Ralph Suarez with the Miami Gardens Police Department.

The wounds are located on the victim's face, both arms and one leg authorities said.

The man who owned the home where it happened wouldn't discuss the matter on camera. Neighbors said the dogs have been a problem for months.

"They are vicious as hell," said resident Roosevelt Murray.

A woman at the dog's house said they're two American bulldogs. She said the owner has licenses and papers for the dogs.

When asked if she knew how the dogs got out, the woman said, "No, I can't say what I don't know."

Palombo asked the woman whether she felt responsible for the attack.

"I feel her pain," she said.

Animal Control said there is little they can do because the dogs appear to be legal and the attack appears to be an accident. Both dogs left the scene with their owner.

"It's not right," said neighbor Tiffany Jackson. "Someone got hurt. It's not right."

Powell remained in stable condition at Memorial Regional Hospital Tuesday night.