Two sent to hospital after pit bull attacks in Cedar Rapids

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – A 10-year-old boy and another man were taken to local hospitals Tuesday evening after the same pit bull bit both of them, police said.

The boy was already in the ambulance when officers arrived just before 9 p.m. to 1415 Fifth Ave. SE. Sgt. Brian Been said two boys were apparently at the house when the incident occurred.

The boy's father, who did not want to be identified, told SourceMedia Group his son was taken to Mercy Medical Center, where he underwent surgery for his injuries. He said the most severe injuries were to the boy's legs.

Marquise Hubbard, 10, was still hospitalized Wednesday morning, his father said.

Police said Eddie Frye, 18, told officers he was sitting on his porch when he saw the boy attacked. The dog bit him, too, when he tried to come to the boy's aid. He had multiple bite marks to his right forearm and scratches on his chest, police said.

“He took off running to help the boy and got bit,” Sgt. Brian Been said.

Frye was taken to St. Luke's Hospital for his injuries. His injuries were not believed to be as severe, police said.

Animal Control officers took custody of the dog and have placed it in quarantine, according to manager Diane Webber.

“The dog was apparently in its own fenced backyard when the initial attack began, but then got out when the initial victim ran and left the gate open,” Webber said in an e-mail.

Police said the dog's owner, Sherron Smith, confirmed that the dog got out of the six-foot tall chain link fence around the house. No charges have been filed, but police are still investigating the incident.