A sheriff's deputy died in her Indianapolis, Indiana, home after a dog attacked her and her 8-year-old son, authorities said on Wednesday.
Tamieka White, 46, was pronounced dead in her home Tuesday night shortly after Indianapolis police officers responded to the emergency, officials said. She had been a deputy with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office since 2007, most recently serving in the judicial enforcement division.
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The attack reportedly happened at about 7:45 p.m. Tuesday. White's young son was also bitten by the dog, officials said. He is recovering from non-life-threatening injuries, according to the Indianapolis Star.
"She died last night protecting the most important person in her life," Brittany Seligman, White's commander at the sheriff's office, said the day after the attack.
Indianapolis police said the attacking dog charged at a responding officer, who shot and killed the animal.
The dog was not owned by White, a spokesperson with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department said, according to the Associated Press. Police have identified the owner, but they have not revealed more information.
"Deputy White was a courageous and dedicated public servant ... She was a bright light to everyone, and will missed by all who knew her. We will work tirelessly to uphold her memory," the Marion County Sheriff's Office said on Facebook.
"Deputy White is survived by her son, who will always be a part of the MCSO family. Please keep her family, friends and colleagues in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time," the sheriff's office added.
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The attack is being investigated, as is the breed of the dog. However, Indianapolis Animal Care Services believe it was a "pitbull-type."