Boy, 8, Attacked by Pit Bull

Police were forced to kill the dog

An 8-year-old boy was attacked by a pit bull on Tuesday night, according to officials.

The incident a happened at Keiller park, near Encanto in the Jamacha neighborhood.

Joseph Walker was playing with friends at Keiller Park when one of two pit bull mix-breed dogs, running loose began attacking him. San Diego police killed the dog as it was trying to escape.

Joseph just turned 8, old enough to walk to the park with his friends and play.

โ€œIt was oh my God. What happened to my little brother. Why did it have to happen to him,โ€ Josephโ€™s Brother Martice Butler said.

Joseph's brother Martice, takes care of the rest of the family, as he waits for word from the hospital.

โ€œThis could have been anyone's brother or sister, son daughter or whoever and I'm sitting here worried about my baby brotherโ€ Butler said.

One of the two pit bull mixbreed animals was surrounded by police and animal control. The other got away. NBC7 cameras were rolling when officers moved in closer for the capture, with shotgun drawn. The dog  attempted to escape charging one officer.

It took three shots to put the animal down. All done in plain view of several neighborhood residents.

โ€œI am sad, very saddened for the dog and the neighborhood everyone is walking around saying how unsafe they feel and how they're not going to bring their dogs to the park,โ€ Rochalle Racine said.

Police say the animal was dangerous and a threat to the neighborhood.

โ€œWe could not risk another child being bit or anyone for that matter being bit in this park,โ€ Lt. Brian Goldberg said.

Word of the attack reached Joseph's mother mother. At the scene it was all she could do to answer police questions and get to the hospital as fast as possible.

Park signs clearly indicate that dogs off leash are prohibited.

Police say this is a cautionary tale , a lesson for dog owners.

Had the two animals been on leash Joseph would not have been injured , the dog would not have been killed.

At last check Joesph is in good condition and will likely be released from Rady Children's Hospital Wednesday night.

Contact Us