Lee deputy, resident attacked by rabid fox

By Terry Lewis (1133)
terry.lewis@albanyherald.com

As of Monday, May 21, 2012
© Copyright 2013 Albany Herald

Lee County Sheriff Reggie Rachels listens to questions Monday during a news conference to discuss a rabid fox attack on a deputy and homeowner on Ledo Road Sunday. Deputy Brian Draper shot and killed the fox after it bit him three times and also bit homeowner Willie Fred Coleman once. Both men are currently undergoing rabies treatments.

ALBANY, Ga. -- A Lee County sheriff's deputy and a homeowner were attacked and bitten by a rabid fox Sunday morning on Ledo Road before the deputy shot and killed the animal.

Deputy Brian Draper responded to an animal complaint at 7:50 a.m. Sunday at the mobile home of Willie Fred Coleman, 3099 Ledo Road. According to the incident report, Draper said when he arrived at the scene and got out of his vehicle, a red fox ran from underneath the mobile home and began to bite at his boots and pants leg.

Draper said he then began to strike at the fox with his baton and the animal jumped up and bit him on his thigh and in the webbing of both hands.

At that point, the deputy pulled his service weapon and shot the fox twice, killing it.

Draper then made contact with Coleman, who said he had gone out to feed his cats when the fox charged and bit him on his right index finger.

EMS was dispatched and treated both Draper and Coleman's injuries. Animal Control took possession of the fox's body, which was examined and confirmed to be rabid.

Lee County Sheriff Reggie Rachels said he hoped to have a report on the fox shortly, while both Draper and Coleman have begun rabies treatments.

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