A young girl has tragically met her untimely end in the most cruel manner.
The scene of the unfortunate incident
According to Police reports, the nine-year-old girl was visiting a home on Holland Avenue in Elmont around 10.30am Sunday for a playdate with two girls when she was attacked by a pit bull.
People who witnessed the gruesome event said the dog latched onto her neck, and head, and shook her like a rag doll.
"A woman in the house attempted to pull the pit bull off of her. She could not, and called 911," said Detective Michael Bitsko of the Nassau County Police Department.
"She tried with a broom - too weak, too scared," said neighbor Novelette Wilson.
By the time police arrived, Eyewitness News is told that two officers ran to the back, while one went through the house to the rear door.
"The pit bull got distracted and charge at the officer," adds Detective Bisko.
The officer fired, killing the dog, giving the other officers time to get to the girl.
The victim was rushed to Franklin Hospital/LIJ, but surgeons could not mend what the dog had done. She was pronounced dead a few hours later.
Meanwhile, the dog's owner, 29-year-old Carlyle Arnold was arrested at the scene, on a separate charge of violating an order of protection.
Officials do not believe he was home at the time of the attack. It's not clear if he could have pulled the dog off in time. Authorities have not yet released the name of the child, or released an explanation as to why the dog turned so violent.