Newark police say a child left alone at a city apartment was seriously mauled by two pit bulls, who were then shot by an officer when they charged at him.

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Det. Eugenio Gonzalez says officers went to the residence around 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, after a neighbor reported hearing someone screaming for help.

Gonzalez says police broke down the apartment door and found the dogs mauling a 10-year-old child. The youth was taken a hospital and was listed in critical condition.

One of the pit bulls was critically injured in the shooting. Details on the other dog's condition were not immediately available.

 

(Copyright 2014 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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