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Police in Queens are investigating a vicious pit bull attack that left four family members injured, including two children, as they unloaded groceries from their car in the Arverne section of the Rockaways on Tuesday evening, April 15, 2025.
The attack occurred around 9:47 p.m. at the intersection of Beach 62 Street and Thursby Avenue. According to Janmajoy “Sam” Samrat, a relative who witnessed the aftermath, the dog appeared “out of nowhere” and lunged at the victims as they stepped out of the vehicle.
“I heard screaming and ran out. There was blood everywhere,” Samrat told reporters. The family had just arrived from Canada to visit the children’s grandfather, who was hospitalized after suffering a cardiac arrest.
The victims included an 11-year-old boy, a 16-year-old girl, a 37-year-old man, and a 42-year-old woman. The boy sustained injuries to his right thigh, the girl was bitten on her neck, right thigh, and left leg, the man suffered a left hand injury, and the woman was attacked in her private area, according to police.
All four were taken to local hospitals in stable condition: the teenager to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, and the other three to St. John’s Episcopal Hospital South Shore.
As of Friday, April 18, no arrests have been made. The investigation remains active. Samrat said a man he believes to be the dog’s owner grabbed the animal and fled the scene without offering help or leaving contact information.
“The mom has been vomiting multiple times. Everyone is sleeping to recover physically and emotionally. I hope they don’t hate New York after this,” Samrat said.
The New York City Animal Care and Control has been notified and is assisting in locating the dog. A spokesperson said they are searching the Arverne area and urging anyone with information to come forward. The breed of the dog has been confirmed as a pit bull, which is not banned in New York City but is subject to strict leash laws.
Animal behavior experts note that unprovoked attacks like this are often triggered by territorial instincts or fear, especially when people are moving quickly near a perceived den. “Dogs may view a car trunk opening and people handling items as a threat to their territory,” said Dr. Linda Harper, a veterinary behaviorist at Cornell University. “Victims should seek both medical and psychological care.”
The family’s ordeal has sparked community concern. Neighbors say they have seen the dog roaming the block before but never aggressive. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help cover medical expenses and support the family during their extended stay in New York.
The grandfather, who remains hospitalized, is unaware of the attack due to his condition, relatives said. The family hopes to return to Canada once all members are cleared by doctors.
Police urge anyone with information about the dog or its owner to contact the 101st Precinct or Crime Stoppers. Animal control advises residents in the area to remain cautious and report any sightings of a loose tan pit bull.
As the investigation continues, the victims are focusing on recovery. “They came here to see family, not to be hurt,” Samrat said. “We just want justice and for this not to happen to anyone else.”
