Three recovering after Darien dog attack

GEORGIA -- Three members of a Darien family remain in the hospital after police said they were all attacked by a pit bull.

Family members said the young boy was taking the trash out when a neighbor's dog attacked him. Police said it was a very violent situation that left three people severely injured.

“This is a tragedy,” said McIntosh County Sheriff Stephen Jessup. “It happens every now and then.”

McIntosh County investigators said this is one of the worst dog biting cases they've ever seen.

 

On Monday, 11-year-old Darius Wingate was attacked in his yard. According to police, the next door neighbors had just let out their three dogs: two pit bulls and an American bulldog.

The victims' family said the dogs began attacking Wingate. When his mom and sister heard him screaming, they ran to the rescue, but they were also severely bitten.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, especially with Darius,” said Jessup.

  

Jessup said there is a leash ordinance in McIntosh County and said the dogs were roaming free. Neighbors said they have seen the dogs without a leash before, and they have seen the dogs act aggressively toward other neighbors.

“I have no idea what might have triggered it, but it's still under investigation, and there are possible criminal charges pending,” Jessup said.

Jessup said this should be a reminder to people to keep a close eye on your pets and make sure you have them on a leash.

 

“It's something you try not to allow to happen, but some people don't follow the rules, and things like this are subject to happen,” Jessup said.

Wingate and his mother remain in the hospital in Brunswick. His sister is now out of the hospital. Jessup said Wingate could be in the hospital for as long as two weeks.

(WTOC - Jan 07, 2015)