Mother, boy bitten by dog hospitalized

Witness says mother's bone exposed after attack

BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. ā€“ A mother and her boy were taken to a hospital after they were bitten by a dog, according to Broward Sheriff's Office Department of Fire Rescue officials.

The incident happened about 3 p.m. Saturday in the 1800 block of Southwest 43rd Avenue in unincorporated Broward County near Fort Lauderdale.

The boy, who neighbors said is about 9 or 10 years old, was riding a bicycle outside with relatives when the dog came running toward him and his mother.

"The dog just came running down the street and just jumped on him," said Larry Szpyra.

Witnesses said the dog bit down on the boy's leg, below the knee. Latorya Hampton said she saw the whole thing.

"It was scary, it really was," said Hampton. "It was a pit bull. It was gray and white."

The boy screamed for help. His mother came out to stop the attack and she was also bitten.

"She had blood all over her," said Hampton. "Like, you could see her bone."

Neighbors sprung to action using a broom, skateboard and whatever they could get their hands on to stop the dog.

"The neighbor right there had a belt of some sort, trying to whip the dog away. The dog wouldn't stop," said Hampton. "The dog was like, hyped. It had blood all over its face and its mouth."

Szpyra said he has seen the dog run loose before.

"Once in a while he's been out and kind of running around," Szpyra said.

Witnesses said the dog's owner struggled to gain control of the dog before putting him in a car and driving away.

Authorities said the mother and boy suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale. Officials said the mother suffered worse injuries.

Neighbors are hoping for a speedy recovery.

"Obviously our thoughts go out to the people who had injuries today," said Szpyra.

"He comes over here and he plays with my kids, and it was just heartbreaking," said Hampton.

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About the Author:

Liane Morejon is an Emmy-winning reporter who joined the Local 10 News family in January 2010. Born and raised in Coral Gables, Liane has a unique perspective on covering news in her own backyard.