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Father, Son Charged In Pit Bull Attack During Alleged Robbery Attempt

WHITTIER (CBS) — Charges have been brought against a Whittier man and his teenage son accused in a vicious pit bull attack on an apparent robbery victim.

Richard Aragon, 51, pleaded not guilty late Tuesday afternoon to one count of mayhem, assault with a deadly weapon and assault by means likely to produce great bodily harm.

He is due back in court on July 11 for a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence to require him to stand trial.

His 17-year-old son, whose name is being withheld, is also expected to be arraigned Wednesday on one count each of attempted robbery and witness intimidation and two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, KNX 1070's Claudia Peschiutta.

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The younger Aragon is accused of confronting a 43-year-old man and demanding his wallet about 9 p.m. Saturday.

When the man refused to give up his wallet, police say that's when a fight ensued and the older Aragon allegedly unleashed the pit bull.

"The dog bit off the man's, the victim's ear tips on both sides," D.A. spokesperson Jane Robison says. "Prosecutors are seeking to have him tried as an adult."

Los Angeles County Animal Control seized the pit bull, which was quarantined.

(©2011 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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