Pit bull owner charged in attack

By Marcus K. Garner

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Charges were filed Thursday against the owner of three pit bulls who brutally attacked a Douglasville woman.

Akmad Rahim Coleman was cited for 20 violations after three of his dogs jumped on 56-year-old Frankie Forsh, injuring  her arms, legs and face as she took a morning walk Monday along Independence Drive, Douglas County spokesman Wes Tallon told the AJC.

Coleman faces a litany of misdemeanor charges which detail a failure to protect his neighbors from the animals, and in some cases, neglect:

• three counts of dogs attacking humans unprovoked
• three counts of improper restraint
• three counts of canine at large on public property
• three counts of canine at large on private property
• three counts of no rabies vaccination or tags displayed
• three counts of failure to provide adequate water
• two counts of failure to provide adequate shelter

The investigation continues.

Coleman was out of town when the attack happened.  A friend was caring for the dogs, all juvenile females.

Tallon said the Douglas Solicitor-General is considering whether the caretaker also will be charged.

Meanwhile, Douglas animal control officers continue to search for one of the three pits that escaped Tuesday night while being unloaded into the county's animal shelter.

The dog "cleared several fences" escaping from the shelter, Tallon said.

Forsh was released from Grady Memorial Hospital after surgeries to close gashes and bite marks on her face and arms.

She was rescued by neighbors who heard her screams and hit the dogs with rocks, sticks and anything else they could find, Douglas Sheriff Phil Miller told the AJC.

Wire cages have been set to capture the young dog now on the loose near it's home, officials said.

Coleman will go have a first appearance in court Aug. 5.

Return to AJC.com for more updates.