Official: Child bitten by dog during school recess

NEW HAVEN — A student attending LincolnBassett School was hospitalized Tuesday after being bitten by a wandering pit bull during recess, according to the New Haven Public Schools.

Justin Harmon, director of marketing and communications for the district, said in an email that the incident occurred in the morning, “while first grade students at Lincoln-Bassett School were outdoors at recess, a pit bull came onto the property and began chasing children.”

“Staff responded by getting children indoors or out of the dog’s reach on the gym equipment. Unfortunately, one child was bitten and was transported to the hospital for treatment. Two others were treated on

scene for scratches,” said Harmon.

The parents of the injured students were notified, Harmon said, and the school’s social worker and a psychologist met with firstgrade students to help them process the experience.

“Going forward, we will conduct their recess inside the enclosed playground on the school property,” said Harmon. “Our students’ safety is our highest priority. We are grateful for the assistance of the police and paramedics who responded to our call.”

Officer Scott Shumway said New Haven police were investigating.

The dog had not been located as of late Tuesday afternoon, but police were still looking, Shumway said. The identity of its owner was still unknown, he said.

Earlier this year, LincolnBassett was placed into lockdown in September after shots were fired outside the building.

No injuries were reported; counselors met with students at the school after the incident.

Hearst CT Media Lincoln-Bassett School