NEED TO KNOW
- Enoch Palomar, 6, was attacked by a coyote at Del Amo Park in California on Monday, Aug. 4
- He required 20 stitches and multiple rabies shots after the animal bit him on his head and legs
- “I’m glad I was there to see my kid and run to the rescue, but it could have been a tragedy,” Enoch’s mom, Melissa Palomar told CBS News
A child was left seriously injured after being attacked by a coyote at a park in California.
On Monday, Aug. 4, Enoch Palomar was spending time with family at his sister’s youth softball game at Del Amo Park when he was ambushed by a coyote, according to KTLA, ABC7 and CBS News.
A witness’s phone captured the 6-year-old’s screams as the animal chased him down before biting, KTLA reported.
“It just kept biting me and I was trying to kick it,” Enoch told KTLA. “It was too fast and it just jumped. I was trying my hardest and then it didn’t work, and then I yelled.”
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Enoch “tripped on a rock” as he tried to escape the coyote attack, according to CBS News.
“It felt like pain, like I got bit from a wolf,” he told the outlet.
Enoch’s mother, Melissa Palomar, immediately ran to save her son once she heard his scream, ABC7 reported.
“I ran towards him, and then I noticed it was a coyote, and I started making noise, and as soon as I got close to him, he ran off,” Melissa told the outlet.
“I’m glad I was there to see my kid and run to the rescue, but it could have been a tragedy,” she added, per CBS News.
Enoch needed 20 stitches in his leg and multiple rabies shots following the attack. He also sustained bites to his head, according to ABC7.
His mother, Melissa, was shocked that the animal attacked despite the large crowd of people.
“There’s a lot of coyotes. I mean, I’ve seen them in the street driving, but I never thought they would be so close to us,” she told ABC7. “For a lot of people to be there and still a coyote go to the playground and attack them, it’s very shocking to me.”
Melissa hopes “the city does something and they’re accountable for it,” she added to CBC News.
“I know it’s wildlife and we can’t control them, but I hope they do something to have parents alerted,” she continued.
Officials from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife have taken Enoch’s shirt for DNA testing amid their search for the coyote responsible for the attack, according to the outlet.
Mayor of Carson, Lula Davis-Holmes, sent her condolences to Enoch and his family.
“The City of Carson is deeply saddened by the incident,” she said, per CBS News. “Our thoughts are with him and his family during this difficult time. Coyotes are a known presence in our region, and the City continues to take proactive measures to protect residents.”
PEOPLE has contacted the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Carson Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes for comment
Read the full article here
