According to the Smith County Sheriff's Office, on Friday afternoon , November 21, at approximately 4:15 pm, deputies responded to an animal call at 15049 Northwood Drive in Tyler.

On arrival of the first deputy, he observed a female lying in the backyard of the residence who had been attacked by three pit bull dogs.

The deputy ran toward the female as the dogs came toward him. He was able to shoot and kill one of the dogs causing the others to retreat. At that time, he was able to remove the female from the backyard. She succumbed to the injuries she sustained as a result of the vicious attack by the dogs.

Smith County Investigators and the Crime Scene Unit arrived to investigate. Smith County Precinct 2 Justice of Peace Andy Dunklin arrived for the inquest and ordered an autopsy. The deputy received minor injuries and is being treated at a local hospital.

The name of the victim is being withheld pending notification of family. The sheriff's office said she was a 23 year old and was dog sitting for the owners who were out of town.