Center Moriches student bit by unleashed dog during track practice; Suffolk police still working to identify the owner
The student was taken to Stony Brook University Hospital for evaluation of non-life-threatening injuries.
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Investigators are working to identify a pet owner after an unleashed dog bit a Center Moriches student during track practice yesterday afternoon.
The Center Moriches track and field team was working out in an area behind the high school, adjacent to the track, when a woman entered the area with her dog off-leash, according to Center Moriches Superintendent of Schools Ricardo Soto.
Soto said the dog, unprovoked, bit the male student around 3:20 p.m.
The district said personnel attempted to speak with the woman, who picked up the dog and left without providing her name or any other identifying information.
The student was taken to Stony Brook University Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries for evaluation, according to officials.
Suffolk County police confirmed it's investigating the incident and the school district said it's fully cooperating with law enforcement.
Soto said the district is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident, as well as its signage and security protocols. He added that they will consider additional measures to help prevent a similar situation in the future.
"Student safety is the district's highest priority," Soto said in a statement to News 12.
The district is asking anyone with information about the incident or the dog's owner's identity to contact the Suffolk County Police Department.
