Hawai‘i Island police arrested and charged a Pahoa man following a vicious dog attack that left a 32-year-old woman hospitalized and her 52-year-old mother injured.
On Saturday, May 27, the 32 year-old woman and her dog were on her Ainaloa Estates subdivision property when a neighboring dog attacked her. The victim’s mother reported that she was also bitten on her arm and shoulder area while trying to fend off the dog during the attack.
The 32-year-old woman suffered bite wounds to her arms, resulting in fractures, multiple puncture wounds, and lacerations. She was taken to Hilo Medical Center for treatment of her injuries, where she remains in stable condition.
Following the incident, a bystander secured the dog to a post, enabling the County of Hawai‘i Animal Control Officers to take custody of the dog and transfer it to a secure location.
It is reported that the dog came from a property with a partially fenced yard, which enabled him to get out.
At this time, what provoked the dog to attack the woman has not been determined.
The incident was classified as a felony Dangerous Dog incident in accordance with Hawai‘i County Code 4-4-32.
Yesterday, the dog’s owner, 51-year-old Frederick Kassebeer, turned himself in at the Pahoa Police Station. After conferring with the County Prosecutor’s Office, officers charged him with:
- Permitting Dog to Stray, HCC – 4-4-30
- Felony Dangerous Dog, HCC – 4-4-32
Kassebeer’s bail was set at $2,000, and he was released after posting bail.
Police ask anyone with information on this incident to call the department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311.
HPD Photo
