LEXINGTON PARK, St. Mary's County, Md., Oct. 10, 2026 — A 50-year-old man suffered serious arm injuries on Thursday night, October 8, after what was reported as an animal attack in Lexington Park. He was flown to a trauma center for treatment.
The incident was reported around 9:25 p.m. in the 21000 block of Great Mills Road. Authorities said the man had severe lacerations to his arms when crews arrived.
Detectives responded to help secure the scene, and the dogs involved were reportedly put away before medical personnel moved in to treat the man. Given the extent of his injuries, EMS requested a Maryland State Police helicopter to speed his transport to a trauma center.
The man was first taken by ambulance to the hangar at St. Mary's County Regional Airport, where he was met by MSP Aviation's Trooper 7. The helicopter then flew him to University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center for further treatment.
The circumstances surrounding the attack have not been confirmed, and the investigation is ongoing.
We wish those injured a full recovery.
What Helps Keep Animal Attacks From Turning Severe
Serious dog attacks usually come down to a handful of factors that compound quickly: an unfamiliar dog, a person caught off guard, and no quick way to separate them. Communities that see fewer severe incidents tend to have stronger leash and containment enforcement, faster animal control response, and public education on reading warning signs before an encounter escalates.
Physical barriers matter as much as behavior. Secure fencing, posted warnings for known aggressive animals, and prompt removal of dogs with a history of incidents all reduce the chance that a routine encounter turns into an emergency. Once an attack is underway, bystanders who know to put distance between themselves and the animal, rather than intervening directly, are less likely to be hurt themselves.
Response speed also shapes outcomes once someone is injured. Quick scene control by police, followed by rapid medical triage and, when needed, helicopter transport to a trauma center, can be the difference between a serious injury and a life-threatening one. None of this prevents every attack, but it narrows the gap between an incident happening and someone getting the care they need in time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should someone do immediately after an animal attack?
Get to a safe distance from the animal, apply pressure to any bleeding wounds, and call 911. Even if injuries look minor, a medical evaluation is important because bites and lacerations carry a high risk of infection.
What injuries are most common in serious animal attacks?
Deep lacerations, puncture wounds, and crush injuries to the arms, hands, and legs are typical, since people usually try to shield themselves. Severe cases can involve nerve or tendon damage requiring specialized treatment.
What factors make an animal attack more dangerous?
The size and behavior history of the animal, how quickly help arrives, and whether the person can retreat to safety all affect severity. Attacks involving multiple animals or occurring away from immediate help tend to result in more serious injuries.
What to Do After an Animal Attack in Lexington Park, MD
Anyone bitten or injured by an animal in Lexington Park should seek medical attention right away, even for wounds that seem minor at first. Animal bites can carry infection risks that aren't obvious immediately. It's also worth reporting the incident to local animal control so the animal involved can be assessed and any pattern of aggression documented. Keeping a record of the injury, treatment received, and any communication with animal control can help if questions arise later about how the incident happened.
