Young Woman Mauled by Dog, RPD's Response Under Inquiry
An 18-year-old woman was attacked by a dog early Friday morning, sparking outrage over the Rochester Police Department's (RPD) delayed response despite multiple 911 calls and a patrol car reportedly nearby.
The victim, Amaris Curry, was on her way to catch a bus to her new job when she was attacked by an American Pocket Bully on Del Monte Street around 8:30 a.m.
“I heard her scream for me, ‘Mommy, come get these dogs,’” her mother, Ashanti Curry, said. Ashanti rushed outside to find her daughter being attacked. “She was nearly being eaten alive,” she added, describing her desperate attempts to fend off the dog.
Despite repeated 911 calls from Ashanti, her other daughter, and neighbors, no police officers responded to the scene.
Ashanti recounted her frustration with a 911 operator during the emergency. “I was begging for help, and the operator was arguing with me,” she said.
The fire department arrived first, followed by an ambulance. However, by then, Amaris had sustained severe injuries, including a broken arm and deep puncture wounds requiring immediate medical attention.
Ashanti expressed anger over the lack of police response, particularly since a patrol car was stationed nearby. “The fire department can’t press charges, and I needed an officer there,” she said.
The family has since hired legal representation and plans to file a complaint regarding the RPD’s inaction and the absence of consequences for the dog owner.
“They are allowing a dangerous animal to remain on the street,” Ashanti said. “What happens when that dog attacks someone else?”
According to Ashanti, the dog was neither leashed nor wearing a collar, and its owner, who reportedly does not speak English, was present but appeared unsure how to intervene during the attack.
The incident has raised questions about RPD’s emergency response protocols. Ashanti noted that police have failed to respond to calls on her street multiple times in the past eight months.
“I think there’s something larger going on here,” she said. “Now I’m wondering if our street is on some type of block list.”
Amaris, who now faces surgery for her arm, is also struggling with trauma. On Saturday night, she was rushed to the emergency room after fainting, which medical reports attribute to a vasovagal episode triggered by stress.
The attack has sparked heated discussions on social media about how emergency calls are prioritized and why police response lags behind fire and medical services.
City Councilmember Mary Lupien addressed the controversy online, criticizing the police department. “We’ve allocated money for a department-wide audit to streamline operations, but we can’t make the mayor take action,” she wrote.
RPD policy states that 911 calls are prioritized “based on immediate safety risks to humans and animals.” According to the city’s website, emergencies involving animal attacks are directed to RPD and animal services.
Ashanti contends that the 911 system and RPD failed her daughter. “They’ve spent millions on stoplight cameras, license plate readers, and equipment, but what are they doing to actually work for the people?” she asked.
RPD spokesperson Captain Gregory Bello provided a timeline of the response:
8:35 a.m.: The initial 911 call was received.
8:36 a.m.: The call was dispatched.
8:37 a.m.: An update indicated the dogs were no longer at the scene.
8:40 a.m.: The fire department arrived.
8:44 a.m.: An ambulance arrived.
“From what I can tell, it was reported quickly that the dogs were no longer a threat, and medical care was provided within minutes,” Bello said.
City of Rochester Communications Director Barbara Pierce emphasized that help was sent promptly. “Within five to six minutes, the fire department and ambulance were on scene, and animal control addressed the issue soon after,” Pierce said.
Pierce explained that animal control officers connected with the victim and her mother to outline next steps. The officers also ensured the dog was secured and explained the process for initiating a court-ordered "dangerous dog proceeding."
Pierce defended the handling of the 911 call but acknowledged the family’s trauma. “At the end of the day, someone was attacked, and that’s a trauma we never want anyone to endure,” she said.
As the family moves forward, they continue to demand accountability from the city and the RPD. “This never should have happened,” Ashanti said. “We need answers.”
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