3 Children Hospitalized After Dog Attack In Temecula

TEMECULA (CBSLA.com) — Three children were hospitalized Saturday after they were attacked by the dog of a family friend in Temecula, police say.

Officers from the Temecula Police Department responded to a report of an attack in the 40000 block of Chantemar Way just before 5 p.m. and were able to confine the dog in the bathroom of the residence upon arrival.

Investigators determined three children, ages 15, 14 and four, sustained injuries to their arms.

Witnesses told police the dog, an American Staffordshire Terrier, mistook children playing as aggressive actions and attacked one of them. When the other siblings attempted to rescue the first victim they were also attacked, police stated.

All three children were hospitalized. One of the victims was Life Flighted to a hospital in San Diego for injuries sustained to both arms.

Animal Control responded to the scene and is conducting an investigation.

The dog was released to Animal Control at the scene.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Deputy Sandoval at (951) 696-3000.