BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

For a few terrifying moments, a four-year-old was caught in the jaws of a pit bull dog. After the attack, the dog, who had also bitten another person six months ago, was euthanized.

Little Destiny McKenzie, 4, was outside her apartment playing on Monday afternoon when she was attacked by a pit bull mix. The dog bit the child in the face and on the hand.

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, emergency personnel were dispatched to 8010 Tommy Court in Palm River, in reference to a dog bite shortly before 5 p.m., Monday.

Upon arrival deputies discovered that a pit bull mix named Bear had bitten Destiny McKenzie. The dog’s owner, Ms. Tanya Okeke, told investigators that she had tied the dog up to the handrail near her apartment and was preparing to give him a bath.

The child was outside playing near the dog with other small children when she apparently fell within the dog’s reach. For unknown reasons, the dog broke free of the owner’s control and bit the child on the face.

The dog would not release his grip on the child until Ms. Okeke struck him in the head with her fist.

Destiny was admitted to Tampa General Hospital, where she was listed in serious condition. She was released from the hospital on Tuesday. The Hillsborough County Animal Control took possession of the dog euthanized him on Tuesday. Their investigation is ongoing.

Investigator Pam Perry, of the Hillsborough County Animal Services said that her office will seek prosecution against Ms. Okeke. “Irregardless of the circumstances that occurred, the dog had a prior history.

Investigator Perry said she will seek prosecution because there were prior instances with the dog. In December, Bear attacked another dog and when the owner attempted to free the dog, Bear bit her on the leg.

Investigator Perry said at that time, Ms. Okeke signed paperwork acknowledging that Bear had “dangerous propensities” that served as a warning. “The paper she signed put her on notice that if a further incident occurs, she could be charged,” she said.

Investigator Perry feels that Ms. Okeke should be charged with culpable negligence and with a second-degree misdemeanor because the owner knew of the dog’s past behavior.

Investigator Perry also said that her office is attempting to sort out statements given to them. In addition to the previous account of the attack, she stated that they had heard another account. “There were a lot of excited utterances,” she said.

Mother Heard Different Account
Ms. Akeshia Williams, Destiny’s mother, said her two older daughters were outside when the attack happened.

“They told me that the dog ran upstairs to where Destiny was and dragged her down the stairs and he wouldn’t let go until the lady hit him in the head and he dropped her on the ground.

“I was told the dog was freaking out because he didn’t want to take a bath.”

Ms. Williams said her daughter was bitten in the face and on the hand. She further said that her daughter will be monitored for the next year for scarring, and to make sure the wounds are healing properly. Ms. Williams said she doesn’t really know the owner of the dog, but that kids in the neighborhood would buy frozen cups from her. “She is the frozen cup lady. I’m just really glad that it wasn’t any worse,” Ms. Williams stated. Ms. Williams further stated that her daughter was not afraid of dogs prior to the attack.

State Attorney To Review Case
Mark Cox, spokesperson for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said that when his office receives the case, they will review it and make a determination on rather they will seek prosecution.