Columbia County Boy Mauled by Three Pit Bulls
A Columbia County boy was critically injured after being mauled by three pit bulls near his home in Grovetown on Friday.
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office says 11-year-old Justin Gilstrap was riding his bicycle on Langston Drive around 6 pm when one of the neighbor’s pit bulls grabbed his leg. A second pit bull grabbed him, causing him to fall off the bike. That’s when a third pit bull dragged him into a ditch.
Justin had to undergo surgery Friday night for severe injuries that included head and leg wounds. Authorities also said part of one of Justin’s ears had been bitten off and he’s missing a large portion of his scalp.
His mother, Ericka, reported Justin is being kept in a medically induced coma.
The owner of the dogs, 26-year-old Burt Baker III, arrived shortly after the attack and told deputies the dogs belonged to him. Animal Control authorities told investigators there have been previous reports and warnings issued to Baker about the dogs in the past. The dogs are now in the care of Animal Control and Baker has been charged with reckless conduct.
A Go Fund Me page has been set up by Erika to help cover medical expenses. By late Saturday afternoon, over $23,000 had already been raised. Erika, a single mother of four, said Justin will require more surgeries in the future.
