The boy, identified in the report as Jerrick Turner, was taken to Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health after the dog bit him multiple times on his leg and tore into his left arm.
Calls to Riley representatives regarding his updated condition were not immediately returned Sunday.
The boy’s age is unclear; while Animal Care officials said the boy was 12, the birthdate on the police report indicates he was 11.
The report paints a more detailed albeit gruesome account — from Jerrick himself — of what happened to him in his family’s home in the 200 block of Tacoma Avenue Friday afternoon.
According to the police report, Jerrick told officers at Riley Hospital that the dog was in a cage when he walked into the house to get a drink of water. Another boy — the son of the dog’s owner, Keith Phillips — opened the cage door.
The second boy “tried to shut the door but the dog was able to get out and latched onto (Jerrick’s) leg,” according to the report.
Jerrick told police he was not sure why the second boy opened the cage door.
Phillips, who officers also said was the boyfriend of Jerrick’s mother, was cited for several civil violations. However, he was not arrested and apparently will not face criminal charges, according to animal control officials.
Phillips faces several citations — including owner responsible for attack, failing to have rabies vaccinations or rabies tags on the dog, and lacking proper identification for the dog.
Animal Care and Control officials also returned to the residence Saturday to investigate a second pit bull at the home. Phillips, who claimed ownership of the second dog, was cited additionally for failing to have rabies vaccinations, rabies tags or identification tags for that dog.
Phillips could face fines and restrictions when he appears in court Aug. 12.
(Indianapolis Star - July 6, 2013)
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