A Tarentum man, Brandon Jerome Baynes, 36, is facing multiple charges, including endangering others and animal neglect, after his Pit bulls attacked three individuals on Halloween. Authorities reported that the dogs broke through the screen door of Baynes' home and attacked trick-or-treaters on the street. According to WPXI, the victims were aided by neighbors who were involved in the incident.
A neighbor, Shawn Flynn, recounted his experience, "Instinct took over," stating that he rushed out to aid Michael Shutack, who was being mauled when the dogs turned on him. Flynn now jumps at the sound of a dog barking as a reminder of the trauma he experienced. In a statement detailed by WPXI, neighbor Joyce Hernandez and her boyfriend Chuck also stepped in to help, with Hernandez applying tourniquets to Flynn's wounds in the aftermath of the attack.
One of the dogs that bit a third victim was shot by a police officer when it charged at them. The other dogs involved in the attacks were subsequently detained in a kennel. As reported by CBS News, Baynes has a preliminary hearing scheduled for December 18.
To help with the economic aftermath of this violent event, GoFundMe campaigns have been established for both Flynn and Shutack to cover their medical expenses, attesting to the community's solidarity in the face of viciousness and unforeseen peril.
