A babysitter in Texas has been arrested and charged with felony injury to a child after a disturbing incident involving a toddler and a teenager under her care. The incident took place in the Central Texas town of Converse.
The Bexar County Sheriff's Office reported that the babysitter, a 36-year-old woman, left a 1-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl alone in her home with her four XL American bullies, known to be potentially dangerous dogs. The caregiver left the children in a bedroom, away from the dogs, as they were known to cause damage.
Unfortunately, the dogs managed to break into the bedroom by destroying a connecting bathroom door. The toddler was bitten by the dogs once they entered the room, prompting a struggle between the dogs and the teenage girl who was trying to protect the baby.
The teenager heroically fought off the dogs for several minutes before having to leave the baby behind in the bathroom to call for help. Deputies arrived at the scene, provided first aid to the injured child, and rushed him to the hospital.
The 1-year-old child sustained severe head injuries and had difficulty breathing due to damage to his throat and airway. The sheriff described the baby's condition as critical and heartbreaking.
The sheriff emphasized that the children's parents were unaware of the babysitter's problematic dogs and would not have allowed her to care for their baby had they known the risks involved. Child Protective Services has been involved to ensure the well-being of both children.
The babysitter faces charges of felony injury to a child and for letting her dogs roam freely without a leash. The sheriff expressed the need to assess the dogs' involvement in the attack and take necessary actions to prevent future incidents.
Despite the tragic event, the sheriff commended the teenage girl for her heroic actions that likely prevented a more catastrophic outcome. The dogs involved in the attack are now under the care of Bexar County Animal Control.
Authorities are investigating the incident further to determine the appropriate course of action regarding the dogs and the babysitter's negligence.
