Bradley McMichael Obituary, Death; – Police released new details after a man was killed in a water buffalo attack Friday evening in Jones.
Around 8:35 p.m., police and firefighters responded to a report that a man had been attacked by water buffaloes at a farm in the 7500 block of Henney Road, which is located near Wilshire Boulevard. First responders were initially unable to reach the victim because of the animals’ aggressive behavior, according to a news release.
Police said one of the water buffaloes was “immediately dispatched” to allow safe access to the property. First responders found the victim, who suffered multiple deep lacerations that killed him.
The Jones Police Department identified the victim as Bradley McMichael, 45. His family told KOCO 5 that it wasn’t unusual for him to be around livestock and exotic animals.
“He was most likely going to sell them or find another way to utilize them,” McMichael’s girlfriend, Jennifer Green, said. While investigators were at the scene, a second water buffalo “became increasingly agitated and posed a threat to emergency personnel. For the safety of those on site, the second animal was also dispatched.”
During the investigation, KOCO 5 crews heard the gunshots that killed the two water buffaloes. Police said evidence found at the scene confirmed that water buffaloes were responsible for McMichael’s fatal injuries.
An investigation showed that McMichael bought the two water buffaloes at a livestock auction on July 10. Police said they believe he became trapped inside their enclosure while tending to the animals.
“Livestock can be aggressive in any moment if they’re stressed when they’re in an auction environment, when they’re traveling, when they’re with new owners,” Green said. “He loved to laugh. He loved to make other people laugh.”
