Teen and man attacked by pit bulls continue to improve

INDIANA -- The man who rescued a 13-year-old boy from two dogs that were attacking the teen before turning on him, continues to improve.

Russell Hill is in good condition at Methodist Hospital. Thirteen-year-old Jalon Lewis is home, but recovering slowly.

The teenager with special needs has dozens of stitches in both legs and one of them remains wrapped up in gauze.

"How you feeling today," Eyewitness News Reporter Emily Longnecker asked the teen.
"Good," Lewis replied.

Lewis was walking to the store Sunday afternoon for some candy at 31st and Gladstone Avenue when witnesses say two pit bulls came out of nowhere and attacked him.

"He was laying there, bleeding," explained Lewis's mother, Chandra.

Neighbor Russell Hill heard Jalon's screams and attacked the dogs with a piece of wood.  That's when the animals turned on Hill.

A police officer shot and killed one of the dogs. The other ran off, but has since been caught by Animal Care and Control.

Lewis's family said what Hill did for him was nothing less than heroic.

"I think the man's a hero. I do," said Jimmy Lewis.

"Because if it wasn't for that man, intervening, you know, to come over after he heard my son hollering, I think my son wouldn't be here today," he added. "He was down on the ground, you know, fighting for his life."

Now the younger Lewis is fighting to heal and get back to school, still traumatized, but thankful to be alive.

Indianapolis Animal Care and Control said the remaining dog is under a 10-day quarantine and then will be put down. The dog's owner could face a fine of up to $2,500.

(WTHR - Nov 4, 2014)

Earlier:

• Man suffers injuries while saving child from vicious dog attack