Family says neighbor encouraged dog attack that left 6-year-old with head gash, concussion

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — An family on Indy’s east side is accusing a neighbor of encouraging a dog attack that left a child with a four-inch head gash, concussion and other injuries.

The attack was reported as a harassment incident Thursday around 10:30 p.m. in the 5300 block of East 20th Place, according to police records.

Conner Pierce, 6, was rushed to the emergency room by ambulance in severe pain and shock, his family said.

Relatives were unable to accompany him in the ambulance due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The incident followed a verbal dispute over a neighbor’s driving, according to Justin Pierce, Conner’s father.

He and his fiancee had argued with the neighbor’s family several times over how fast he drove down the residential street, Justin said.

“[The neighbors] come out together [Thursday night] and then one of them yells, ‘Sic!’” Justin told News 8. “The dog runs out and, mind you, there’s about 4 or 5 kids outside and about 3 or 4 adults.”

The unleashed pit bull jumped on Conner, knocked his head into the ground and “pulled part of his scalp away from his skull,” his uncle said.

The child was also treated for arm and leg injuries.

On Friday, his father took him back to Riley Hospital for Children after he showed signs of traumatic brain injury.

“He wasn’t talking normal… and walking funny,” Justin said. “It shouldn’t come to this before someone pays attention [to the dispute with neighbors].”

Police reports obtained by News 8 revealed officers had been dispatched to the same address for three other incidents in two weeks.

Harassment was reported May 5; vehicle vandalism was reported Monday; and disorderly conduct stemming from a “disturbance with a weapon” was reported Friday, the day after the dog attack.

Nobody was arrested.

The owners of the dog involved in Thursday’s incident could not be reached for comment.

Animal Control officials did not immediately respond to inquiries from News 8.