The fatal mauling of Raphael Woolfork in Oglethorpe, a small city in middle Georgia, has prompted an active police investigation and raised serious public safety concerns among local residents. According to authorities, Woolfork was attacked by three pit bulls while walking along a street on Saturday morning. The incident unfolded rapidly and violently, leaving Woolfork critically injured and later dead, despite efforts by bystanders and emergency medical personnel to save his life. In the days following the attack, police confirmed that two of the dogs believed to be involved have been located and secured, while the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident remains ongoing.
The Oglethorpe Police Department released details indicating that Raphael Woolfork was attacked without warning as he walked in the area. The severity of the attack necessitated immediate intervention, and a Good Samaritan intervened to remove Woolfork from the scene and transport him to a location where emergency medical services could reach him more quickly. During treatment by EMS, Woolfork reportedly went into cardiac arrest. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Police have not yet released additional details regarding the ownership of the dogs or whether any charges may be filed.
The attack has deeply affected the local community, particularly those who live and work near the scene. Witness accounts and surveillance footage have contributed to the understanding of what occurred, while law enforcement officials continue to gather evidence, review video, and request public assistance. As authorities work to establish accountability and determine next steps, residents have been urged to remain cautious and report any relevant information.
Details of the Attack and Emergency Response
Investigators stated that the attack occurred on Saturday morning when Raphael Woolfork was walking down the street in Oglethorpe. According to police, three pit bulls attacked him, causing severe injuries. The exact sequence of events leading up to the attack has not been fully detailed by authorities, but the assault was described as sudden and intense.
A bystander intervened during the aftermath of the attack. The individual, described by police as a Good Samaritan, transported Woolfork away from the immediate area of danger to a location where emergency medical services could provide assistance. Local media outlet WGXA-TV reported that while Raphael Woolfork was being treated by EMS personnel, he appeared to suffer cardiac arrest. Emergency responders rushed him to a nearby hospital, but despite medical efforts, he later died.
Dog bite related fatality
— Bully Watch USA (@by_pets) December 7, 2025
Oglethorpe, Georgia
Raphael Woolfork
Three pit bulls pic.twitter.com/uwqE6iXykD
The involvement of a civilian in assisting Raphael Woolfork has been noted by investigators as a critical factor in getting him medical attention as quickly as possible under the circumstances. However, the extent of Woolfork’s injuries proved fatal. Authorities have not publicly specified the medical cause of death beyond confirming that it followed the dog attack and subsequent medical emergency.
Police have confirmed that two of the pit bulls believed to be tied to the attack were located on Tuesday and taken to what officials described as a “secure location.” It has not been disclosed whether the third dog has been found or whether the dogs were strays or owned by an individual. Officials have stated that the investigation remains open, and further information will be released as it becomes available.
Witness Accounts and Community Impact
Jessica McKellar, who works at a gas station near the site of the attack, said she saw the aftermath through security camera footage. In an interview with WMAZ-TV, McKellar described the disturbing scenes captured on video following the attack. She said the footage showed people attempting to get Raphael Woolfork into a car while the dogs appeared to continue pulling at him.
“When they were trying to put him in the car, and the dogs were like pulling him, like pulling him back,” McKellar said, describing what she observed. She also noted that Raphael Woolfork was a regular customer at the gas station, underscoring the personal impact the incident has had on those who knew him.
McKellar stated that the attack has left her feeling nervous and fearful. She said the incident made her consider how easily the situation could have affected someone else nearby. “It could have been me or my baby,” she said. Her comments reflect broader concerns among residents and workers in the area who now question their safety during routine daily activities.
The emotional toll of the incident has extended beyond those who witnessed the aftermath. Residents have expressed unease about encountering unfamiliar animals in public spaces, particularly in areas where dogs may not be properly restrained. While police have not indicated whether prior complaints or reports involving the dogs existed, the suddenness and severity of the attack have heightened anxiety throughout the community.
Local businesses near the site of the incident have also felt the impact, as employees and customers alike grapple with the knowledge that a fatal attack occurred in an otherwise ordinary setting. Community members have called for clarity regarding how the dogs came to be in the area and what measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Police Investigation and Public Safety Measures
The Oglethorpe Police Department has stated that the investigation into Woolfork’s death is ongoing. Officers are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack, including how the dogs were able to attack Raphael Woolfork and whether negligence or violations of animal control laws played a role. Authorities have not announced any arrests or charges related to the incident as of the latest update.
Police confirmed on Tuesday that two of the dogs connected to the attack had been found and secured. They described the location where the dogs were taken as secure, but did not provide additional details about their condition or future disposition. Investigators have not said whether the dogs were tested or evaluated following the incident.
In a public statement, the police department urged residents in the area to continue exercising caution when encountering unfamiliar animals or unknown individuals in their communities. The advisory reflects a broader effort to ensure public safety while the investigation remains active. Officers have also asked members of the public who may have photographs or video footage from the time of the attack to contact them, emphasizing that such evidence could be critical to establishing a complete account of what occurred.
The request for public assistance suggests that investigators are seeking additional perspectives or visual documentation that may help clarify key moments before, during, or after the attack. Surveillance footage, cellphone recordings, or eyewitness accounts could play a role in determining responsibility and informing any potential legal or regulatory actions.
As the investigation continues, authorities have not indicated a timeline for its completion. The death of Raphael Woolfork remains under active review, with police focused on gathering facts and ensuring that all relevant information is considered. For now, the case stands as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by uncontrolled animals in public spaces and the lasting impact such incidents have on families, witnesses, and entire communities.
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