Woman dies after fall and dog attack, Durham police say

A woman died after falling in her home and her dog attacked her, Durham police said.

Around 9:29 p.m. Thursday, Durham police responded to North Driver Street near East Main Street.

Authorities pronounced the woman dead at the scene. 

Durham police have not publicly identified the woman who died.

One neighbor who asked to remain anonymous was shocked to learn of the horrible tragedy that had unfolded inside. 

"Well, it's scary because like that can happen to anyone,” the neighbor said. “But I have dogs myself and that's why I'm scared to get a big dog."

Javier Mendoza, a dog trainer of 12 years, says attacks like this are rare and often preceded by signs.

"Most of the time, you're going to have a dog that told you, but those things were missed over time, and then it can lead to a bigger issue," Mendoza said.

The Durham County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services took possession of the dog. Deputies said the dog is currently on a 10 day bite hold, per state law. 

A spokesperson for the Durham County Sheriff's Office could did not share what type of dog attacked the woman, or its name.

WRAL News is working to learn how the woman fell and if she died as a direct result of the dog attack. 

No other injuries were reported in the incident, according to the police.