BLYTHEVILLE, Ark. — A 93-year-old Blytheville woman, who was attacked by three pit bulls in early June, succumbed to her injuries on August 15, 2023, prompting the arrest of the dog owner.
On June 3 at around 6:34 p.m., Blytheville Police Department officers responded to an incident on the 900 block of North Ruddle Road where they discovered Jeane Bennett unconscious in her backyard, suffering from severe bite wounds that exposed bone on her face and extremities. Witnesses recounted the terrifying ordeal, describing how three large pit bulls from a neighboring property attacked Bennett. They said they heard a scream and upon rushing to assist, were also threatened by the aggressive dogs. With great effort, the witnesses managed to fend off the dogs and corral them back into their enclosure.
Upon arrival, police observed that the dogs, which were still displaying aggression, had blood on them. Two of the pit bulls were euthanized at the scene, while the third was captured by Blytheville Animal Control officers and later euthanized by a local veterinarian. All three dogs underwent testing for rabies.
Bennett was urgently transported to Regional One Medical Center in Memphis, where she battled her injuries until her passing in mid-August.
Following an investigation, police identified David Veasey, 43, of Blytheville, as the owner of the offending dogs. On August 16, Blytheville police detectives secured arrest warrants, subsequently apprehending Veasey later that day. He now faces two counts each of felony aggravated assault and unlawful dog attack, along with several city ordinance violations.
Veasey made a court appearance for his arraignment on August 17. He has been handed a standard bond set at $100,000, with a stipulation that 10% be paid in cash.
The Blytheville Police Department expressed gratitude to the local community, the Prosecutor’s Office, and all who aided in the case.
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