‘Part of her neck was hanging off’: Little girl riding bike is mauled to death by neighbor’s 3 dogs [Reports]

The owner of three dogs who reportedly mauled a 9-year-old Michigan girl to death Monday afternoon was arrested and will likely face criminal charges.

Citing police, WJBK reported that Emma Hernandez was riding her bike behind her Detroit home when three pit bulls knocked her over and attacked her. Neighbors were said to have fought the dogs off by throwing bricks at them—and even firing guns.

Emergency crews who responded to the scene reportedly found Hernandez’s father, brother, and neighbor trying to revive her. A neighbor managed to shoot one of the pit bulls; all three dogs were captured by Detroit Animal Control and will likely be euthanized, according to the news station.

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“When I come out of my house, I heard all the screaming and I was aware something bad had happened,” neighbor Deborah Golden recounted the grisly scene to WXYZ.

“I saw the little girl flat on her back with the bite marks and part of her neck hanging off.”

Despite neighbors, relatives, and emergency crews’ efforts, Hernandez was pronounced dead at the hospital.

WDIV reported that the three dogs possibly slipped through a ramshackle fence. Some of the first responders who tried to save Hernandez’s life were provided with trauma counseling due to what they witnessed.

“It’s hard for me not to cry,” said Detroit police Captain Russell Solano commented. “It’s tough, real tough. We’re talking about a 9-year-old girl who was just out there playing, and now she’s not here.”

Law enforcement told WJBK that they’re submitting a warrant request to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office. It’s not immediately clear what charges, if any, the owner will face.

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[Featured image: Emma Hernandez/GoFundMe]