HAZEL PARK, Mich. — A 4-year-old boy died Tuesday evening after being mauled by a pit bull that was being fostered by the boy's family in Hazel Park.
Police went to the home at 6:44 p.m. local time after the boy's 14-year-old sister reported that her mother was trying to stop the dog from attacking the child.
When officers arrived, they found the dog actively attacking the 4-year-old inside the home. Officers deployed tasers, which caused the 60-pound pit bull to free its grip on the boy. The dog then fled from the home.
Police say the boy had injuries to his body and neck, and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
The 38-year-old mother of the child was also taken to a hospital for injuries sustained while trying to protect the boy. Her injuries were not life-threatening, police say.
The dog was later found outside of the home. It was suffering from knife wounds sustained after the boy's mother stabbed it while protecting the boy. The dog was taken to a vet where it was euthanized.
Police say the investigation is ongoing.
This story was originally published by Cara Ball on WXYZ in Detroit.
