Harbison State Forest, Lexington, October 16, 2025
News Summary
A Lexington police detective, Marc Miramontes, heroically saved cyclist Winston Holliday from a vicious dog attack in Harbison State Forest. Witnessing the incident, Miramontes intervened with a stick to fend off two large dogs believed to be pit bulls, enabling Holliday to receive proper medical attention for his severe injuries. The incident has raised community safety concerns regarding dog aggression and breed ownership. Authorities are now searching for the attacking dogs to prevent any future incidents.
Lexington Police Detective Saves Cyclist from Dog Attack
A heroic act by an off-duty police detective averted a potential tragedy at Harbison State Forest in Lexington when he rescued a federal prosecutor from a vicious dog attack on Saturday. Marc Miramontes, a 59-year-old detective with the Lexington town police, intervened after witnessing man attacked by two large dogs, which witnesses believe to be pit bulls.
The incident occurred as 57-year-old Winston Holliday was riding his bicycle when the dogs charged at him. Miramontes, who had taken a different path for his run that day, quickly sprang into action by grabbing a stick and yelling to scare off the dogs. During the attack, Holliday sustained multiple bite wounds, with a significant gash on his forearm that required 17 stitches and swelling in his right hand.
After helping fend off the dogs, Miramontes assisted Holliday in walking back to the parking lot where an ambulance was waiting. Throughout this ordeal, he kept Holliday engaged in conversation to help prevent him from losing consciousness due to heavy bleeding.
Details of the Attack
Witnesses observed the dogs attack Holliday, who was severely injured when Miramontes arrived at the scene. Described as “big, muscular, and well fed,” the attacking dogs were reported to include one brown pit bull and one black dog. Following the incident, Holliday expressed gratitude for Miramontes’ timely intervention, stating that he believed he might not have survived without the detective’s help.
Aftermath and Safety Concerns
In the wake of the attack, the S.C. Forestry Commission stated that they were unaware of any previous dog attacks at Harbison State Forest and had no plans to close the park. The day after the attack, a 5k road race was held in the park, operating under the assumption that safety increases with the presence of larger crowds.
Authorities are currently attempting to locate the dogs involved in the attack, with speculation that they may have been abandoned or escaped from a nearby home. Local residents are voicing concerns about dog safety, particularly in light of new dog restrictions adopted in the McConnell’s Trace neighborhood of Lexington that include a ban on various breeds, including pit bulls.
To address issues related to high euthanasia rates for pit bulls, Pawmetto Lifeline is offering free microchipping services for pit bulls and mixes in surrounding counties, presenting an effort to ensure these animals find safe homes.
Community Response
The incident has raised significant awareness around the safety of dog breeds and the impact of local policies. Many dog owners in Lexington are worried about the implications of breed-specific legislation. The conversation around responsible pet ownership, dog aggression, and community safety continues to evolve in the aftermath of this alarming event.
FAQs
What happened at Harbison State Forest?
An off-duty police detective, Marc Miramontes, saved a cyclist, Winston Holliday, from an attack by two large dogs while running in Harbison State Forest.
What injuries did the cyclist sustain?
Winston Holliday suffered multiple bite wounds, including a significant gash on his forearm, which required 17 stitches, along with swelling in his right hand.
Are the dogs involved in the attack still at large?
Yes, the dogs involved in the attack are still being sought by authorities, and it is believed they may have been abandoned or escaped from a local residence.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Harbison State Forest, Lexington |
| Rescuer | Marc Miramontes – Off-duty Police Detective |
| Victim | Winston Holliday – Federal Prosecutor |
| Injuries | Multiple bite wounds, 17 stitches required |
| Attackers | Two large dogs, believed to be pit bulls |
| Aftermath | Dogs still at large; community concerns over dog safety |
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Additional Resources
- The State
- Google Search: Lexington dog attack
- Fox 56 News
- Wikipedia: Dog attack
- Newsweek
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dog
- Kentucky.com
- Google News: dog safety Lexington
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