BLOOMINGTON – On Sunday, June 1, at approximately noon, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call reporting an unresponsive person inside a vehicle in the Walmart parking lot at 3585 West State Road 45.
Callers also reported that the vehicle had struck a concrete light pole base and that numerous aggressive dogs were inside the car, preventing access to the driver.
Monroe Fire Protection District personnel were the first to arrive and confirmed the presence of a deceased adult inside the vehicle. They observed approximately eight aggressive dogs inside the car, which prevented immediate access to the individual. In an attempt to render aid, firefighters opened a door, causing several dogs to escape and aggressively charge bystanders and emergency responders.
Sheriff’s deputies arrived shortly after and established a containment zone in a low-traffic area of the parking lot. During the incident, one civilian and one firefighter sustained bites and received minor treatment at a local hospital.
Deputies from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Animal Management Division responded and successfully captured five dogs that were roaming the property. These animals were safely transported to the City of Bloomington Animal Shelter. Three additional dogs were captured later the same day.
The deceased individual had been living out of the vehicle and was regularly seen parked on the west side of the Walmart property.
Detectives with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Monroe County Coroner’s Office are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.
Surveillance footage from the parking lot indicates the vehicle struck a light pole at a low speed at approximately 8:20 a.m.. The incident was not reported until nearly four hours later when a concerned citizen contacted Monroe County Central Dispatch.
Preliminary evidence suggests the individual may have suffered a medical emergency before the crash. At this time, foul play is not suspected, and the coroner’s investigation is ongoing, pending identification and notification of next of kin.
While it is believed all the dogs are accounted for, the exact number of dogs initially in the vehicle is uncertain. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Animal Management Division will be patrolling the area over the next few days to ensure any remaining dogs are captured.
