Columbus police officer responds to weekend raccoon attack, gets bit as well

One woman and a Columbus Police officer sustained injuries after being attacked by a raccoon Saturday on St. Elmo Drive.

The officer was attacked while assisting the female victim of the raccoon’s first attack, CPD said in a release.

An animal control officer responded but was unable to locate the raccoon, according to the release. It is unclear whether the animal had rabies.

CPD said the officer has received treatment and has been released from the hospital. The female victim is still in the hospital but is in stable condition.

Pam Kirkland, public relations/information coordinator for the West Central Health District, said pet owners should vaccinate their pets against rabies to help protect them from wild animals that may have the virus and protect their families from the virus in turn.

CPD would like to remind people to be on the lookout for wild animals and to not attempt to capture or interact with them. If you see a wild animal retreat to a safe location and leave the animal alone.

CPD said you can notify authorities of wild animal sightings by calling 911 or using the non-emergency line at 706-653-3231.