Bluefield Daily Telegraph, Bluefield, WV

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October 11, 2011

Police investigating dog attack

By SAMANTHA PERRY Bluefield Daily Telegraph

WELCH — As state police continue the investigation into a weekend pit bull attack, a family member of the 6-year-old victim said the child is in “good spirits” after a grueling surgery.

The attack occurred at about 4:15 p.m. Sunday on Premier Mountain in Welch, Sgt. W.C. Tupper, of the Welch detachment of the West Virginia State Police said.

The 6-year-old, identified by family members as Natalie Tinney, and her grandfather, James “Jim” Redmond, were injured in the attack.

Tupper said the child and her grandfather received “severe injuries.” They were transported to Welch Community Hospital and then airlifted to Charleston Area Medical Center.

“An off-duty deputy put the dog down,” Tupper said. “He lived nearby.”

Angel Tinney, the sister of Natalie’s father, Adam Tinney, said the child came through a six-hour surgery Sunday night. “She is very strong,” Angel Tinney said. “I saw her in recovery. I asked her if she was OK. She said that she wanted to ride in the helicopter again.”

Angel Tinney described Natalie as “strong and in good spirits.” However, she added, “It’s a miracle that she’s still here” after the attack.

Redmond, a retired coach from Mount View High School, also remains hospitalized.

Angel Tinney said Natalie’s mother, Bethany Redmond, was bitten during the attack and had to have stitches, but she was not hospitalized.

Tupper said the incident remains under investigation by Trooper C.N. Wade and Trooper J.R. Coburn.

— Contact Samantha Perry at sperry@bdtonline.com.

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