New Jersey teen, 13, killed by 115-pound dog that also attacked another teen and its owner
A Paterson teenager was mauled to death by a huge bullmastiff on Friday, authorities said. The dog also bit another teen and its owner — who was forced to stab the beast to subdue it. Officials say the dog has since been 'humanely euthanized.'
PAUL CLARKE VIA FACEBOOK
Paul Clarke of Paterson, N.J., and his bullmastiff in a Facebook photo. Neighbors say the dog that killed a 13-year-old boy lived at Clarke's address.
A raging bullmastiff killed a 13-year-old boy and wounded two others during a bloody afternoon attack in Paterson, N.J., officials said Saturday.
The 115-pound dog, which officials said has since been “humanely euthanized,” also bit a second 13-year-old boy and attacked its owner, who was forced to stab the beast to subdue it, New Jersey authorities said.
The attack happened near Sherwood Ave. in the city’s Hillcrest section at about 4:30 p.m. on Friday when the dog, who was apparently loose, lunged at the two boys.
It bit one of the boys in the hand, then began chasing the teens, who split off in opposite directions.
The second boy was found dead at about 11 p.m., after his family reported him missing.
PAUL CLARKE VIA FACEBOOK
Paul Clarke and his bullmastiff, who is named 'Trigger,' according to Facebook.
His remains were found behind the Sherwood Ave. home where neighbors said the dog lived, according to The Record. Records show that Paul Clarke resides at that address.
Sometime before the dead teen was found, the dog attacked its owner, biting his hand, officials said.
The owner had to stab the dog repeatedly in order to stop the animal, according to Paterson Animal Control Officer John DeCando.
A necropsy was scheduled to see if the bullmastiff had contracted rabies before the attacks.
Why the dog attacked three people remained a mystery Saturday night.
ELIZABETH LARA/THE RECORD
The Paterson, N.J., home where the 115-pound bullmastiff dog lived.
“Who knows what happened?” DeCando told The Record. “A child is dead. And I can’t comprehend that.”
“The dog should have never been on the street,” he added. “In 37 years, this is the worst that I’ve seen.”
The exact cause of the teen’s death was not known Saturday afternoon, Capt. Heriberto Rodriguez of the Paterson Police Department told reporters. An autopsy has been scheduled.
The second boy was treated at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center and released, according to Rodriguez. The dog’s owner was also treated and released.
Rodriguez would not release the names of the victims or the dog’s owner on Saturday night. Attempts to reach Rodriguez Saturday night were unsuccessful.
The bullmastiff, while powerfully built, normally has an innate willingness to please, making them “ideal family companions and protectors,” according to the American Kennel Club.
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