Pit Bull Owner Arrested After Toddler's Mauling

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (CBS4) - Police have arrested the owner of a pit bull that mauled and seriously injured a 19-month-old boy Sunday night.

Sue Tacket, 51, was arrested and charged with unlawful ownership of a dangerous dog. She's being held at the Adams County Detention Facility.

According to witnesses, the pit bull latched onto the toddler's face and wouldn't let go until people nearby intervened.

Witnesses said the boy, whose name hasn't been released, tried to give the leashed dog a hug when it bit and wouldn't release. The boy was hospitalized with injuries to his face and neck. The dog later died from asphyxiation as a result of the of restraint process.

Officers said they restrained the dog using catch-poles, but it continued to fight and behave aggressively.

"I have seen dog fights, but I have never seen a dog attack a baby," a witness told CBS4. "It's sad, real sad. I just hope the little baby survives."

Pit bulls are illegal in Commerce City.

Police said the boy and his mother were traveling with a group of transients who had parked in an empty lot for the night. The dog's owner was with a separate group.

Commerce City