Neighbors in north Minneapolis complained about dogs before attack that left mother seriously injured

MINNEAPOLIS — A quiet Wednesday afternoon took a horrific turn when dogs attacked two children and their mother.

Neighbors say the attack took place in the Lyn Park neighborhood in north Minneapolis.

Ron Swengel and his friend were outside when they heard and saw children screaming and running back and forth.

“One of them said, ‘They’re going to kill my mom.’ I didn’t know what to think,” Swengel said.

He immediately ran across the street into the family’s backyard and saw two pit bulls attacking the woman.

“There was a board there that I picked up and swung at the dogs to get them off her,” Swengel said.

In the same video, the owner of the pit bulls can be seen appearing, chasing them away from the family and taking them to his car.

But the damage was done.

According to Minneapolis Animal Control, the mother, Angel, suffered life-threatening injuries, while the two children, three-year-old Kani Jr. and eight-year-old Markell, suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Both affected dogs were seized at Minneapolis Animal Care and Control, and the owner has been cooperative.

WCCO knocked on the homeowner’s door to get a comment on the attack, but no one answered the door.

Nevertheless, residents remain concerned.

“Very unpleasant, because this is not the first incident,” said Swengel.

Kim Smith, the neighborhood watch president for this part of north Minneapolis, is heartbroken for the family.

“I would have given my life for my child and I believe the mother was willing to do that,” Smith said.

Smith is also angry because she says residents have filed several complaints with animal control about these dogs.

For now, she is focused on helping the family with meals and raising money for mounting medical bills.