PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL — A local man is in critical condition following a brutal attack by a neighbor’s pit bull, triggering a series of police and animal control interventions on Tuesday evening, authorities said.
Bay County Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the 8115 Laird Street residence around 5 p.m. responding to a distress call. They discovered 49-year-old Michael Fabjon Jr. severely injured and bleeding profusely on the ground, with Pamela Dennis, 56, administering CPR.
Medical responders quickly transported Fabjon to a nearby hospital. His injuries were severe, with significant trauma to the throat and neck, compelling doctors to place him in the intensive care unit.
The incident unfolded when Fabjon’s dog and the neighbor’s pit bull, named Gunner, originally became entangled in a fight. While Fabjon and Dennis managed to separate the animals, the aggressive pit bull later returned to viciously attack Fabjon.
Eyewitness Carrie Swisher, 44, observed the ordeal and intervened by calling Gunner back to her house, attempting to halt the attack. Subsequently, Bay County Animal Control officials, accompanied by sheriff’s deputies, attempted to secure the pit bull.
However, the situation escalated when Gunner’s owner, 28-year-old Brendan Murphy, resisted the authorities, refusing to relinquish the dog and barricading himself inside his home. Murphy was arrested on charges of resisting without violence and obstruction, following a brief standoff. He was processed at the Bay County Jail without further incidents.
In his defense, Murphy contested the official account, claiming Gunner had not left their property post-fight and suggested that Fabjon’s injuries were inflicted by his own dog. This statement conflicd with evidence from the scene and witness accounts, which indicated that Gunner was the aggressor according to the Sheriff’s Office’s findings.
Law enforcement officials conducted a thorough examination of both dogs involved in the incident. Observations noted that the blood patterns on Gunner appeared more consistent with an active role in the violent encounter, corroborating witness testimonies that identified Gunner as the attacker.
The broader community within which both men and their dogs resided — residing in separate units on the same property — has been left in distress following the incident. The authorities have begun a deeper investigation into both the immediate and historical interactions between the two dogs to better understand the motives and triggers for such aggressive behavior.
The Bay County Sheriff’s Office is also reviewing protocols on handling pet disputes and animal attacks to prevent future such incidents and ensure community safety. Meanwhile, residents are urged to keep their pets supervised and to report any signs of aggression to local animal control services promptly.
The tragic event has sparked conversations among residents and authorities alike about responsible pet ownership and the importance of measures to ensure the safety of all community members, both human and animal.