Knoxville, TN (WOKI) The mother of a teen boy recovering from severe damage to his face following a dog attack is pressing charges.
That, according to a report from the Knoxville Police Department which also identifies Erica Rhodes as the owner of the pit bull mix that attacked the 14-year-old while he was on his way to a school bus stop in the 1300 block of Callaway Street late last month.
The report indicates Rhodes told police the dog had left her yard at 1316 Callaway Street and was running down the road. KPD says Rhodes was not able to give vaccination records for the dog, necessitating that the animal be taken to Young-Williams Animal Center to be held on “bite quarantine” per Tennessee law.
The victim’s mother, Sandra Johnson, decided to press charges, according to the report. She gave a statement to police, explaining what happened.
“Ms. Johnson stated that her son had been walking down the sidewalk on the 1300 block of Callaway Street when a dog came from the front entrance of 1316 Callaway and attacked her son causing severe damage to his face,” the report states. “Ms. Johnson stated that her son was able to get away after the attack and make contact with a neighbor for assistance.”
Rhodes was charged with dangerous dog, level two and improper restraint.
