Michelle L. Manfredi, a 45-year-old resident of Patric Drive in Palm Coast, was attacked and seriously injured on her lip and belly by a pit bull on Saturday (June 1)–the same pit bull that then attacked and injured Flagler County Sheriff’s deputy Jonathan Schmidt as Schmidt was investigating the incident the following day.
Schmidt had responded to 87 Patric Drive on Sunday. He spoke with Manfredi’s father, Alphonse Manfredi, who described the attack by the gray and white pit bull. Manfredi said his daughter was walking with her grandson in front of the residence at 83 Patric when Ice, the pit bull, ran out of the residence and attacked her. Michelle Manfredi, who also spoke with the deputy, alleges that the dog’s owner was responsible. She said “if she had not stepped in the way Ice would have killed her grandson,” according to the incident report.
Manfredi said Ice charged her and bit her top lip, requiring seven stitches. Sh said she also needed three stitches on her stomach. “Multiple other bite marks and lacerations were observed and photographed, but none of the others needed stitching of any kind,” the report states.
The dog is owned by Jaywana Walker, 40, at 83 Patric. Manfredi said Walker helped get the pit bull off her and eventually took her to the hospital for treatment.
Schmidt met Walker in Walker’s front yard. The deputy asked her to secure the dog in a bedroom for the duration of the investigation, which she did. Walker said the incident “occurred partially on the front porch and partially inside the front of the residence,” according to the report. Manfredi, Walker said, had come to the front door and began knocking on it. Walker answered and told Manfredi she did not want to speak with her, “that they are not friends.” Manfredi “would not leave the property,” according to Walker, “so she went to get her boyfriend to speak with Michelle.”
According to Walker’s account, Manfredi then “decided to step into the front door and that is when Ice attacked her,” according to the report. Walker said Manfredi was first bitten in the area of the front entrance to the house, just inside the front door. She and her boyfriend began hitting the dog to get it to break off of Manfredi, then took Manfredi to the hospital.
Walker “was able to point out multiple areas that had red spots consistent with the color of dried blood,” the report states. “The spots go as follows: Bottom section of the front door frame, approximately 5 feet inside the residence and continuous blood splatter going into [Walker]’s bathroom, which is where she stated she took [Manfredi] to attempt to slow down the bleeding. It should also be noted that there is a visible blood splatter on the sidewalk from the driveway at [Walker’s] residence up to the front door.”
Walker’s boyfriend arrived during the investigation. Schmidt told him of the situation. The boyfriend asked where his dog was. The deputy told him it had been secured in a bedroom for the duration of the investigation. The boyfriend, whose identity was not revealed in the incident report, entered the house as Schmidt spoke with another deputy. Schmidt then knocked on the front door and entered. Ice was out of the bedroom “and he charged at me,” Schmidt reported.
“Ice rapidly approached me and bit my left hand,” he wrote. “Once Ice bit me I used the force of him charging me to throw him to the ground, which he was still locked on my hand when we hit the ground. I delivered one elbow strike and multiple punches to Ice and he let go, once he released from my hand [Walker] and her boyfriend realized what was happening and came to assist. I received a large laceration on the top of my left hand right under my pinky finger and a smaller laceration on the inside of my palm right under my pinky finger. I received four stitches for the top laceration and three for the laceration on my palm.”
The deputy was transported to AdventHealth for treatment. No charges have been filed. Animal control is conducting its own investigation to determine whether to declare the dog dangerous. A dangerous dog that bites two people is, by law, required to be killed. But Ice had not been declared dangerous at the time of the second bite (nor at the time of the first), which would raise grayer areas for animal control and its determinations.
hawkeye says
that policeman should have killed that dog,I would have.I have pepper sprayed aggressive dogs three times in my life,the only reason those three dogs were allowed to live is because I sprayed them before they bit me, now that I am in my 60’s,I dont play any more,I will shoot an aggressive dog if I have to.
Steve says
Another dog bred to fight owned by a person that cant or wont take control of it. Put the dog down. Next
Rodiculous. says
Edit of my earlier comment, misread and didnt see that it was the next day that the dog bit the deputy.
In that situation, yes, the dog is at fault for blindly charging someone, but the owner of the dog is also at fault for not training the dog better. The only part of this that’s newsworthy, again, is that the title is geared to incite more hate towards Pit Bulls, and not their owners’ lack of care towards training them properly.
The dog should not have been let out. The boyfriend is at fault. If you want a headline, try “stupid man causes dog to attack deputy”
ComeOnNow says
The dog has proven a pattern of aggression and needs to be put down. Plain and simple. Should have had better caretakers.
sickened says
Yes, let’s not press charges after a mere two attacks. Let’s wait until it kills someone’s pet or a person before doing anything about it.
Ed Marth says
In the US a pit bull kills a person an average of once every 13 days. They are weapons that can pull their own trigger.
Freddy says
We have pit bulls in the family but that vicious dog needs to be put down.
Larry says
This type of dog is always attacking someone or something. The old term, “If it goes pit on you” wasn’t meant to be a joke. It was meant as a warning but too many are in denial about these beasts. They should be banned and never allowed to be a pet.
John says
But Ice had not been declared dangerous at the time of the second bite (nor at the time of the first), which would raise grayer areas for animal control and its determinations. You got to be shitting me, what does it take to declare the dog dangerous, for it to kill someone or something. Get serious and do your jobs.
Steve Robinson says
Mr. Marth, not sure where you got your statistic on pit bull deaths, but it should be noted that firearms kill 30 people in this country day in, day out. So, between pit bulls and firearms which should we get rid of first?
Vincent Neri says
The focus of these type stories is usually on the type of dog breed. Most people are aware some breeds are more dangerous than others. I am more interested in the psyche of the people who desire to have dangerous dogs as pets and what the reality or truths about these people are. It is not that a particular dog breed that chooses to live with a particular person but it is rather the individuals choice to have that breed live with them. Now lets figure out what the common traits and values for good or bad are of people that want to own potentially dangerous animals. Perhaps by and large the owners are as much or even more flawed than the dogs are in these cases. Our entire lives are shaped by our beliefs so there must be a belief which is creating thoughts and emotions that would make some people desire to have a dangerous animal.
Alexander says
When reading this the dog only lashed out because an unwanted visitor showed up. Not a burglar or a solicitor. It says someone wasn’t their friend an when the dog sensed it he attacked you also shouldn’t punch and elbow strike a dog that’s probably why it’s aggressive in the first place because the owners an asshat but that’s just my opinion an don’t put it down your killing an animal an taking its life if anything at least take it to a shelter and give it a chance at rehab yeah it sounds “libtard” to say an trust me I’m heavily conservative but it wasn’t the dogs fault it was the owner being an asshole. Sorry not sorry
Willy Boy says
Avoid at all costs – Pitbulls, Pitbull owners and the P-Section.
D Bell says
It’s cruel to permit convicted dog fighters (such as Tom Garner) to continue to intentionally breed for unprovoked suicidal deadly dog aggression and to sell and ship fighting/game bred puppies across North America and around the world.
If landmines and hand grenades are illegal, then it should be illegal to breed dog killing, hand grenade dogs.
D Bell says
Google : Chinaman game dog, watch “bull and terrier” and “sporting dog yard” videos. Learn the language. Dog fighters know that breed matters most. That’s why they describe their dogs by bloodlines and fighting weights. That’s why dog men don’t use German Shepherd dogs or Dobermans. These other dogs were never bred to be dog killers, as pit bulls/ American (pit) Bulldogs were and, more importantly, still are.
Can you find a pit bull breeder that states “we never breed dog aggressive dogs”? I can’t.
The opposite Dog men say, “dog aggression is what makes a pit a pit”.
Kandice Manfredi says
My daughter was the one who was bit! I know I am not a cop, I am not animal control and I have the utmost respect for these people, I know what they must deal with every day I was an ER nurse for 21 years in NJ, but why does the victim being made to look like a liar? Why does it matter where she was attacked? I know my daughter better than I know myself and I believe her, she had her grandson with her and I guarantee she would never put him in harms way, in fact my daughter saved his life, she pushed him ( grandson) in back of her or he would have been the victim, he is 31/2 years old! I am an avid animal lover and have adopted all three of my pets. These people next door left that dog outside for hours, the dog howling and crying for hours! Come on who is the victim here? Why does it matter where it happened? Unfortunately my husband and I were not home at the time, but I KNOW Michelle would never put her grandson in harms way!….K Manfredi
Jenn says
I met this dog and the owners. Dog was not a fighter. I did always ask them to put him in his crate when I was there only because I’m afraid of pits. These types of things are sad for everyone involved.
DIANA WALTER says
Its not the dog fault-its the owner in the way they train the dog
Vinnie says
Mix aggressive dogs with uneducated people, you get trouble. All of them should be euthanized !
Bc. says
This dog needs to be put down ASAP. It a dangerous animal that was never trained by its owners. The owners have no one to blame but themselves they should never be allowed to own a pit bull again.
Stranger in a strange land says
Having a pitbull attack our golden retriever while I walked him made it clear that the pitbull breeds have a genetic need to fight and kill other animals. I see the same intensity when I throw a stick in a pond for the retriever. He is totally focused on retrieving the stick. That is what generations of selective breeding to retrieve things does. Pitbulls where selectively bred to fight other animals. That is what their genes tell them to do. They get an endorphine rush when they are attacking. I’ve seen it. I took a big risk when the pitbull latched onto our dogs throat. I grabbed its collar and twisted it hard. He released our dog when his air was cut off. I am certain our dog would be dead had I not done that. I now carry a tazer when walking our dog and will not hesitate to use it. PS that this PB had attacked another dog several month earlier requiring several surgeries and over $8,000 in vet bills. If you are considering getting a PB go to a no kill shelter. There will be plenty of young healthy pitbulls there. Ask yourself why people have turned over a healthy 2 or 3 year old pitbull to a shelter. I will guarantee most of them had become afraid that their dog would harm someone or another animal ( or it may well have already happened). Its true, its not the dogs fault. They were bred that way. You don’t have to bring one into your family. Get another breed.
Trailer Bob says
The story is a little vague at times, but it seems the dog never left his property. I have two large gaurd dogs and a fence around me entire property, so if one of my dogs bites you…you earned it. I have known many pits that are excellent canines and pets. I wonder if one of my shepherds had bitten someone who came on my property if they would be treating that matter the same way. Of course, you need to have a sign to let people know about the dog, and a fence. No fence…no dog.
Jim O says
Simple. Get this human attacking dog out of the neighborhood. Who in their right mind would want this in your neighborhood. Unsafe and crazy to be having this conversation about keeping this dog. Update… it’s a dog and someone may be killed next time.
Ha says
@ Willy Boy…. yeahhhh avoid all pitbull owners and pitbulls. This is prejudice at its finest. Not all Pitbulls are bad. Not all white people are good. Let’s not start this.
Fuggetaboutit says
Pit Bulls and their owners are great to have as neighbors and it would be awesome if there were a lot more around. Their sweet nature and their ability to kill children and other animals makes them ideal pets. Now, stop with the negative comments!
Geezer says
What’s needed in Palm Coast are laws with real teeth.
If your dog attacks someone without provocation, then you should face criminal neglect charges,
a hefty fine and or jail time–especially if you can’t pay the medical bills for the victim.
Tim Norris says
First, I am an animal lover, that said, this type of dog does not belong within the city limits, I own in the P Section, most owners of these animals are unable to control these dogs when they are leashed, and many do not have them tied or contained. They are dangerous to those that are walking or are riding a bicycle. After reading this article you would think that authorities would revise the law on these animals and make the owners liable with severe penalties for ownership of these animals.
k. Roberts says
Actually, it is the breed. They can be well trained for a long time & then one day. It is the way they have
been bred…………..not just the training. I have a friend that was killed by one that she had since a puppy, was well-loved, well-trained, good around people…………until one day! She was 27, a beautiful, responsible person.
Mmpatient says
The dog is far from aggressive.its protective.anyone dumb enough to walk into a house with any dog is the problem.dogs protect there families and property.ill i see in this article is some trouble making person went looking for problems and found more then they could handle.and the officer just maid a mistake.knocking on the door and walking in my dogs will also attack you as they should. Animals are like guns.they can save lifes take lifes prevent crimes or cause them.i see no fault in the owner or the dog.
Marti says
Second dog attack in the same area (Pebble Beach Drive) last night, also supposedly a pit bull/mix. We were walking and met the woman leading her wounded dog back home. It seems to me that most people who own these types of dogs, shouldn’t.
C Dilworth says
Kandice, I feel sorry for what happened to your family, but it appears the article is stating what happened. It does matter where she was attacked. She said they were walking in front of the house. The blood at the entryway and just inside the house, tells a different story. It appears that the dog was defending his house. Same as with the officer, he was inside when the attack happened. So asking why does it matter where it happened, is not clear thinking. That’s like shooting someone in your front yard, then trying to use the stand your ground law, by saying the intruder was inside (only the opposite in this case). If your daughter was not getting along with the said neighbors, she should have never attempted to enter the residence. And by saying she was in front of the house walking, makes her story suspicious, at best. But again, I do feel sorry for what happened, and hope your family heals quickly.
Shoregal says
I had a relative who owned a pit bull. She was the sweetest…. I would always take her to the park and for walks since she was a puppy, as she grew, there came a point where I could no longer handle her, she had so much power, sadly I no longer felt it was safe for me to take her for walks or to the park.. I never felt totally comfortable around her anymore when I realized what could happen.. to her credit she never was aggressive to people or any animals. I never heard her bark hardly.. she died suddenly at 10 yrs old.. on the flip side of that I was walking in a neighborhood in Miami many years ago with my toddler in one of those push riding toys and a man opened his front door and the pit bull was charging right for us. I picked my toddler up and luckily I was right next to a small fenced in area that had some pump equipment for the city in it and I had her already dangling over the fence to drop her in a safe fenced in area if that dog latched on to me.. at the last moment the dog stopped at went back to the house.. all the owners could say was sorry about that…
harry nilbog says
Pitbulls are a menace to society. The dogs are trash, the apologist are just as horrible. Unconscionable victim blamers. Labrador retrievers do you not need a PR team to trick people into buying them. BAN THE BREED REMOVE THE BREED.
A. Morrisey says
The genetic makeup of the breed is too dangerous. It is horrendous and sad that they were bred to fight, but that’s the reality. Pointers point, collies herd, and pits maul and kill. A tragedy that we did this to such wonderful companion animals but time and again we see that these breeds are not safe, that their owners are not prepared for a dog of this strength and hyper arousal, and that even after having been raised from puppies, with the very best in training and all the lover you can give, they can and will still snap. I’ve been working in animal care my entire life and time and again you see these dogs dumped at the shelter because they turned on family members. So sad. They are a danger, though, and need to be treated as such.
Jennifer says
PLEASE don’t compare breedism to racism. They are not the same thing. PIt Bulls have been bred for generations for certain characteristics. There is a reason why people have breed preferences – because dogs have been bred for specific features and behaviors. While any individual dog can be aggressive, pit bulls are overrepresented in dog attack statistics and they are responsible for most fatal attacks. And don’t repeat the propaganda that the pro-pit lobby repeats that a pit bull is not a real breed so we can’t rely on breed identification by victims, owners, etc. People are not confusing pits and chihuahuas. There is a phenotypic trend that exists with dog attacks.
brian johnson says
why are pit bulls not banned in flagler county? they are in other florida counties!!
Here We Go says
So you can shoot someone if they walk on your property, but your dog can’t protect you? What’s next DOG CONTROL?? If the dog ran out of the house off the property then it is on the owner. However, if the victim was on their property which is what it sounds like then that’s a whole different situation. It is the responsibility of the owner to take care and understand the type of breed. Understand dogs are highly protective of their owner and home even 4 Pound Yorkies bite. Cooper the dog that was put down was not a pitbull. If you own a dog the first thing to do is put a sign on your property letting people know a dog is there.
Dawn Smith says
As said many times it is how an animal is raised. The dog was in his own house when approached. Only protecting. You raise an animal to be aggressive it will be aggressive. You raise it to be calm it will be calm. This is with ANY Breed of animal.