The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office has announced it is investigating a death after a deceased female was found with her dog in a vacant field near East Buckeye Avenue. The Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Detectives and Forensic Personnel remained at the scene well into the evening while collecting evidence and conducting interviews.

According to a press release from the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, the deceased woman was found with her dog in a vacation field to the southwest of East Buckeye Avenue and North Custer Road. Upon arrival, the dog, which did not have a leash or lead, exhibited protective and aggressive behavior. This prevented deputies and medical personnel from assessing the unresponsive woman’s condition.

Eventually, deputies gained the dog’s trust and coaxed it away from the woman. After medical personnel were able to check for signs of life, the female was pronounced deceased at the scene. The dog is in the care of SCRAPS. Authorities do not believe the woman had been lying in the field for a considerable amount of time.

The only obvious wounds observed were to the victim’s upper extremities. Authorities believe those wounds were caused by the dog found at the scene. The identity of the deceased and cause of death will be released at a later time.