Evan Daniel Townsley

Evan Daniel Townsley rescued a woman from an attacking dog, Los Angeles, California, July 23, 2021. The woman, 66, was walking on a sidewalk when a pit bull mix, weighing about 70 pounds, slipped free of its leash, and attacked her. She retreated and, grasping a rain gutter, attempted to fend off the dog, which bit her arms and torso and lunged at her neck. Townsley, 53, was driving nearby when he heard the woman screaming for help and saw her being attacked; he ran to the scene. Townsley, who had martial arts training, wrapped an arm around the dog and used a small knife to stab it. The dog attacked Townsley, enabling the woman to flee and take refuge between two cars parked in a nearby garage. As Townsley continued to fight the dog, the knife blade broke off and the dog bit down on his right forearm and wrist. Crouching, Townsley swept the dog’s legs from beneath it and pinned it to the pavement. While the dog was down, bystanders used various means, including a stun gun and tow truck chain, to subdue it, but none were successful. A police officer then arrived to assist while Townsley retreated, nearly exhausted. Ultimately, other bystanders helped secure the dog, followed by three officers, until the animal could be brought under control and removed from the scene. The woman was treated for serious bites to her arms, abdomen, and back and has recovered. Townsley was hospitalized for several days, during which he underwent surgery, then spent eight weeks in rehabilitation for treatment of 18 deep puncture wounds to both of his arms – some of which pierced bone – and an open fracture of his right wrist. He was still recovering the full strength of his arms.