By Roger Lanse

On Friday, July 5, 2024, at about 7 p.m., A Hurley Police Department officer responded to an unwanted subject call at 13 Cortez Avenue in Hurley. The responding officer was advised that a woman was reported in the back yard of the residence swimming in caller's kids' pool at the corner of Diaz Street and Chino Blvd. However, according to HPD Chief Chris McGuinness, the officer reported he couldn't get to the woman because of a swarm of bees which were attacking the female and the officer.

According to Chief McGuinness, the female was walking on the sidewalk when the bees attacked and forced her to find refuge in the "kiddie's pool, no more than two inches deep."

When Chief McGuinness arrived on scene, and not bothered "too much" by bees, he grabbed a jacket from his patrol unit, went to the female and "yanked" her out of the pool, covered her with the jacket, and both ran to his patrol vehicle.

The female victim was transported to HPD, Chief McGuinness said, for a medical evaluation. She was found to have 17 stings on her body, but seemed to be okay and refused an ambulance. She was transported home by HPD. Chief McGuinness sustained a few stings – "nothing bad," he told the Beat, and the original responding officer was stung five times.

Chief McGuinness stated he has talked with the female several times in the week since the episode, and she seems to be "doing well."

A small mixed-breed dog with the female was also stung several times. Hurley residents found the dog and although it was treated with Benadryl, unfortunately it didn't survive. However, on Wednesday, July 10, Chief McGuinness found a small terrier-mix dog to replace the one who didn't survive. "They are both very happy. She absolutely loves her new friend," he said.

The bees seemed to have come from a nearby old building, Chief McGuinness said.