Crystal River, Florida — On Saturday, at 4:20 p.m., the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office received a call in reference to a dog attack on a child.
Deputies, Fire Rescue, and EMS responded to a residence at 8352 West Oak Street, Crystal River. Upon arrival, they discovered the lifeless body of Christopher Camejo Jr., 2, in the backyard of the home. His body showed clear signs of a vicious dog attack.
There were four Rottweilers and another dog in the backyard at the time of their investigation.
Deputies also discovered that there were several people inside the residence at the time the attack occurred, but no one was outside with the child. The parents of the boy, Christopher Camejo Sr., 29, and Claudia Scarbrough, 31, were both inside the residence, along with some friends and two additional children — ages 1 and 5.
Camejo Sr., the father of the boy, was found to be in violation of an injunction for protection and was taken into custody at that time. The injunction had been served in another county on behalf of Claudia Scarbrough.
Animal Control Officers responded and removed the four Rottweilers and an additional dog from the home. A Chihuahua and several puppies found at the residence were left at the home.
After the Department of Children and Families was notified, the other two children were placed in state custody.
“This is a horrific situation,” Lt. Kevin Purinton said. “It’s unimaginable what that poor baby went through and we’re going to do everything we can to determine exactly what happened and if any charges should be brought forth.”
For now, the dogs are not being put down.
The investigation is ongoing.
If you have any information related to this incident, please call the Sheriff’s Office at 352-726-1121 or, to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-888-ANY-TIPS.
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