A Sparta woman is recovering after she was attacked by her bull Friday afternoon.
According to authorities, police responded to
Houses Corner Road around 3 p.m. Friday for several reports of a cow in the roadway.
Officials say as Officer Arlene Lippencott was en route, the owner - later identified as Wendy McDermott - advised police that the animal, a bull, belonged to her and that she would attempt to the lure the animal back into its enclosure.
Police say the bull followed McDermott's up the gravel road toward the farm but shortly after began bumping her vehicle. McDermott exited her vehicle and attempted to get her bull to go through the open gate but instead, the bull attacked her.
According to authorities, McDermott began screaming for help. Additional officers responded to the scene and ultimately opened fire after the bull attempted to charge at a patrol vehicle.
Officials say McDermott was transported to Newton Memorial Hospital with lacerations, bruising to her upper body and a head injury.
The incident is under investigation.
McDermott reportedly told police the bull had recently been acting highly aggressive and had even attacked her husband.