150-200 bee stings, but resident survives

POLICE REPORT

A Rockdale man survived a bee attack on the morning of the Fourth of July despite being stung between 150 and 200 times.

Lt. Stephen Goodrich said Russell Stewart was mowing a yard at the Belton-San Gabriel intersection when he was attacked by bees.

“They were the Africanized strain,” Goodrich said. The strain has acquired the nickname “killer bees” for their aggressive behavior.

Goodrich said Stewart ran from the residence’s back yard into the front yard and summoned the property owner who called 911.

Police Ofc. Jonathan Richardson, the Rockdale Volunteer Fire Department and others came to Stewart’s assistance, Goodrich said.

“Using a water hose they were able to get the bees off him enough to get him into a vehicle,” Goodrich said.

Stewart was taken to Baylor Scott & White Hospital in Temple for treatment.

“They were able to get all the stingers out and he was later released,” Goodrich said. “Those who went to help him were also stung numerous times.”

PIT BULL—“It was obviously the lawn mower’s vibrations which set the bees off,” Goodrich said.

Those at the scene theorize the presence of a pit bull in the yard may have saved Stewart’s life.

“Many of the bees went after the dog,” Goodrich said. “It could actually have been worse than it was.”

The dog died from the stings.

“If bees get after you, of course, call for help,” Goodrich said. “You can try to outrun them but they will pursue you. If you can wrap yourself in a sheet or big blanket, so do. If you can’t do this at least try to cover your face.”

Goodrich said the massive beehive has been located and is in the process of being destroyed.

OFFENSES—Police are investigating the theft of $12,000 in cash taken from a home in northeast Rockdale.

Also under investigation is where a home in southeast Rockdale was “cleaned out” with numerous items taken, according to police.

SERVICE CALLS— Rockdale police officers answered 95 calls for service during the nine-day reporting period and there were 95 calls through the 911 emergency system answered at the police department.