A southwest Atlanta neighborhood is in shock this morning after pit bulls attacked two children on their way to school. Atlanta Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Warren Pickard stated that the attack occurred in the 1200 block of Gideons Drive, around 7:20 a.m. this morning, Tuedsay, Jan. 17. One child was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital and the other was taken to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston. The child in surgery has not been identified but authorities are now stating that he died from his injuries. The little girl in the attack was treated for her injuries and released.
Neighbors stated they were awakened by sounds of the children’s screams and rushed to their doors. One man identified as Shamonte Clayton told media, “I knew it had to be something serious because this is the time the kids go to school.” He stated he ran outside and saw a pit bull standing over a girl it had just mauled. He noticed another pit bull pinning a group of children against the wall of an abandoned house and was able to chase both animals away with the help of other children.
When the animals ran away, he picked up the body of a little boy who appeared lifeless. According to Clayton, the child’s mother was present and was so overwhelmed with grief she sat on the ground and cried. He went on to state, “[The dogs] frequent the neighborhood a lot … They haven’t been aggressive in the past … Why are you letting two full grown pit bulls roam this neighborhood freely when the neighborhood is full of elementary school aged kids?”
Animal Control officers and police tracked down one of the pit bulls and were forced to shoot the animal on a nearby street. Investigators were able to locate the owners of the dog and seized two other pit bulls at the residence. Police are now evaluating the situation to determine if any charges will be filed against the owners of the animals.
