By: Richard L. Smith
Authorities are investigating a distressing incident in East Orange where a violent dog attack occurred Tuesday evening, leaving a toddler severely injured and three others wounded.
The attack, which took place around 7:05 p.m. at a residence near the intersection of Tremont Avenue and Brookwood, escalated until police were forced to intervene fatally shooting the pitbull.
East Orange City officials told RLS Media, the incident began when a pit bull, previously caged, became agitated and attacked a 22-month-old girl inside the home, inflicting severe facial injuries.
The situation worsened as the dog turned on two other children and an adult who attempted to intervene.
Responding to emergency calls, police arrived promptly at the scene and discharged at least one round, effectively ending the attack without further harm to the victims.
Police officials said all victims were rushed to University Hospital in Newark, where the toddler underwent surgery to address her critical injuries. She was later transferred to another undisclosed hospital for continued treatment and is expected to survive.
The community, familiar with the family and the dog, expressed shock, noting previous concerns about the pit bull's behavior but never anticipating such a violent outbreak.
The investigation into the circumstances of the attack remains active, with East Orange police piecing together the events that led to this tragic outcome.