Pit bull attack puts grandfather and granddaughter in hospital

WEST VIRGINIA -- A pit bull attack in McDowell County left a grandfather and granddaughter hospitalized with serious injuries, police said.

The dog attacked a 6-year-old girl and her grandfather about 4:15 p.m. Sunday in Welch, West Virginia State Police Sgt. W.C. Tupper said.

According to Metro News, the dog dragged the little girl across the lawn and then turned on the grandfather as he tried to intercede. The attack happened at the little girl's mother's home.

A neighbor also tried to help and received minor injuries, McDowell Sheriff's Deputy R.L. Blevins said.

The girl and her grandfather were taken to Welch Community Hospital before being transferred via HealthNet to Charleston Area Medical Center's General Hospital, Tupper said.

An off-duty McDowell sheriff's deputy, who lived nearby, shot and killed the dog. 

State police are not releasing the victims' names at this time. An employee at Mount View High School confirmed the grandfather's name is James Redmond, and said he is a teacher at the school.

Blevins, Mount View's resource officer, said Redmond formerly served as Mount View's head basketball coach and assistant football coach.

The dog belonged to a family member, Blevins said.

Redmond underwent a few surgeries on Monday but Blevins did not know his condition. CAMC listed Redmond as "under evaluation" Monday evening.

Redmond's granddaughter also had surgery. She too was listed as "under evaluation," Blevins said.

Tupper said the incident is still under investigation. State police are expected to release more details later this week.

(Charleston Daily Mail - Oct 11, 2011)