Police investigating dog attack

October 11, 2011
By SAMANTHA PERRY Bluefield Daily Telegraph

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WELCH, W. VA -- 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.

Update: Child and grandfather injured in dog attack recovering

October 12, 2011
Bluefield Daily Telegraph

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WELCH, W. VA -- A young girl and her grandfather were in stable condition Wednesday at a Charleston hospital while state troopers continued investigating the dog attack that injured them.

Natalie Tinney, 6, and her grandfather James “Jim” Redmond, were severely injured Oct. 9 when a pit bull attacked them. An off-duty deputy who lives near their home on Premier Mountain near Welch put down the dog.

One of the investigating officers, Trooper C.N.Wade of the West Virginia State Police detachment in Welch, said he spoke Wednesday to Redmond.

“I’ve just got done talking to the grandfather,” Wade said. “The way I understand it, everyone has been treated and is stable.”

Both the grandchild and her grandfather are being treated at Charleston Area Medical Center.