Delaware: Newark councilman's daughter, 8, critically injured in pit bull attack

DELAWARE -- An 8-year-old girl from the Stafford neighborhood of Newark is in critical condition after she was attacked by her family’s pit bull in her home Saturday afternoon.

Police did not release the name of the injured child. However, an official with knowledge of the situation, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, confirmed to the Newark Post that the victim is the daughter of Newark Councilman Todd Ruckle.

Emily Ruckle was with her 15-year-old sister inside the Ruckles’ home in the unit block of Adelene Drive.

 

 

The dog attacked her at approximately 1 p.m., said Lt. Mark A. Farrall, a spokesman for the Newark Police Department.

The older girl called police and rendered medical assistance until paramedics arrived.

“The 15-year-old-sister reported to paramedics that she fought the dog off and called for help,” said Sgt. Michael A. McColley, a spokesman for New Castle County Emergency Medical Services. “She also helped control her sister’s bleeding until help arrived.”

Farrall said the dog prevented the two girls, who were home alone, from leaving the room where the attack occurred.

Multiple officers arrived at the home, and one shot and killed the aggressive dog, Farrall said.

Another officer carried the girl outside, where she was treated by paramedics and then taken by ambulance to A.I. DuPont Children’s hospital. She was later flown to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where she remains in critical condition.

According to McColley, the girl is suffering from “severe soft tissue injuries and bleeding from multiple dog bites.”

Farrall said he does not yet know what prompted the dog to become aggressive.

“At this point, it’s still under investigation by our detectives and our animal control officer,” he said.

The deceased dog was turned over to the SPCA.

(Newark Post - Sept 27, 2014)