Two injured when pet monkey goes bananas

HAMILTON COUNTY (WISH) - A pet monkey went berserk Wednesday morning injuring its owner and prompting a family to barricade themselves in a Hamilton County home.

Hamilton County Sheriff's Deputies were called to a home in the 2900 block of East 276th Street after Eujo, a Patas monkey, got out of his cage. The 9-1-1 caller told dispatchers that the monkey has been caged because it was a dangerous wild animal.

The monkey lives in a large cage behind the home. The cage includes a connector leading into a smaller cage located in the home's living room.

According to his owner, Eujo somehow managed to open the indoor gate and escape into the house.

"Pretty much I woke up to my brother’s friends yelling monkey and running" said Skyler

The monkey jumped on top of Skylar and scratched the teen on the head.

His friend felt helpless as he watched.

"I've never seen any animal jump on top of somebody and just start attacking him" said friend Caleb Galloway.

The family inside the home told dispatchers they locked themselves in different rooms so the monkey could not get to them.

Owner Bobbi Phelan says patas monkeys can be extremely dangerous.

"If he was to attack you it would take him about 10 seconds. He would go for your neck. He would hit it and you would die" said Phelan.

Despite the danger, Phelan says she's not getting rid of Eujo. Instead, she will reinforce the locks.

"I keep him because he is my son. I did not give birth to him but after seven years I love him as my son" said Phelan.

Animal control responded to a 911 call from the home. A full report will be submitted to a Hamilton County judge. If the judge decides Eujo should be labeled as a viscous animal, the owners can still keep him. However, if there is a future incident animal control can then step in and remove the pet.

The Patas monkey is said to be one of the fastest primates; it can reach speeds of 34 mph.