News Summary
A violent dog attack in Newport News resulted in four injuries, including an elderly woman and three good Samaritans who tried to help her. The two attacking Dogos Argentinos, owned by Robert Keith Packer, led to hospitalization for severe lacerations. Packer faces multiple charges related to the incident, including failing to control his dogs. The dogs are now in custody, pending an investigation, while the injured await updates on their conditions.
Newport News, Virginia – A violent dog attack in the Hidenwood area of Newport News left four individuals injured on Monday night. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. on Barbour Drive when two Dogos Argentinos, named Sid and Zeenie, attacked an elderly woman and several people who came to her aid. All four victims required hospitalization and surgical treatment for their injuries, which included severe lacerations, some measuring nearly a foot long and exposing muscle, nerves, and fat.
The victims were identified as Pamela Ritchson, Angela Miller, Derek Race, and John Stover III. Ritchson sustained deep lacerations on her shoulder, arms, and leg. Miller suffered cuts on her head along with bandaged wounds on her arm and shoulder. Race experienced puncture wounds on both legs and a significant laceration on his upper leg. Stover had cuts and punctures on his elbow and deep lacerations on his thigh and knee.
Local law enforcement responded swiftly to the scene, arriving with multiple police vehicles and ambulances. In efforts to control the situation, one officer discharged a firearm at one of the attacking dogs. The dogs’ owner, 60-year-old Robert Keith Packer, acknowledged that Sid was involved in the attack but initially denied that Zeenie participated. Packer indicated that he would have theoretically harmed Sid to restrain him but refrained out of concern for animal cruelty charges.
Both dogs were taken into custody by Newport News Animal Services and will remain there while an investigation is conducted. Packer faces multiple charges associated with the incident, including six criminal counts such as failing to control a dog, allowing a dog to be at large, and failing to license his dogs. The most serious of these charges is a felony, which carries a potential five-year prison sentence.
Additionally, this is not Packer’s first encounter with the law regarding dog-related incidents. He has a pending charge from a May incident involving another dog attack. Furthermore, Packer recently made headlines for his involvement in the January 6 Capitol attack, for which he was granted a pardon by former President Trump after he pleaded guilty to lesser charges.
As the investigation into the dog attack continues, Newport News officials have confirmed that the dogs will remain with Animal Services. Packer has been released from jail following his recent arrest and is scheduled to appear in court on September 12.
The community remains on alert as they wait for further updates on the ongoing investigation and the condition of the injured individuals. The city of Newport News is committed to ensuring public safety and will address any necessary changes regarding dog ownership regulations as a result of this incident.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Newport News Man Arrested After Dog Attack Injures Four
William & Mary Libraries Engage Community with Upcoming Events
Newport News: Gruesome Dog Attack Injures Four Residents
Williamsburg Offers Vibrant Arts Events This Season
Additional Resources
- 13 News Now
- Wikipedia: Dog Attack
- WTKR News
- Google Search: Dog Attack Statistics
- Wavy News
- Google Scholar: Dog Attacks
- Pilot Online
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dog Behavior
- Pilot Online – Court Docs
- Google News: Newport News Dog Attack
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
