Witnesses start shooting when attacking dog drags away 3-year-old child, NC cops say

Chaos erupted in a North Carolina neighborhood when a dog attacked a 3-year-old and witnesses began shooting at it, according to investigators in Charlotte.

It happened just before 9 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 19, and the child was left hospitalized with serious injuries, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said in an Aug. 22 news release.

At least two witnesses fired shots to fend off the dog, police said.

“The preliminary investigation indicates that a group of children were in the front yard playing when three dogs owned by the victim’s family were let out of the garage,” CMPD said.

“Two of the dogs playfully knocked the victim to the ground when the third dog approached and began to bite the victim and dragged them down the driveway. Several adult witnesses ran toward the child and attempted to stop the attack. Two individuals fired gunshots near the dog.”

The dog eventually retreated to the garage, police said.

An ambulance took the child to a hospital. The child’s identity and details of the injuries were not released.

“The dog was surrendered to Animal Care and Control by its owner. The canine will be held for a 10-day rabies quarantine,” CMPD said.

“The dog will be euthanized after the quarantine period has ended.”

This story was originally published August 23, 2024 at 6:44 AM with the headline "Witnesses start shooting when attacking dog drags away 3-year-old child, NC cops say."