A 1-month-old baby boy was killed in a dog attack on McKinley Avenue in Norwich, according to police. Police are searching for the father of a baby, 32-year-old Timothy Settles, who authorities said is a person of interest after a home on Rosemary Street in New London was intentionally set on fire early Tuesday morning.
The infant was attacked by the family's dog, a male pit bull mix, around 8:40 p.m. on Monday in Norwich and was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
“It is a tragic day in the city of Norwich,” Lieutenant John Perry said Tuesday.
Two adult family members were in the home when the dog attack happened, Norwich police said. An adult family member was holding the child when the dog jumped up and bit the baby.
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Police said they are investigating and the incident does not appear to be criminal. Grief counseling has been offered to the family and to police officers.
“Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the child’s family and all those who were directly or indirectly involved,” Perry added.
Animal control took the dog and it's in quarantine.
It’s not clear how old the dog is or how long the family has had it.
The father, Timothy Settles, was not at the home when the dog attack happened, police said.
Authorities said Settles was the last person who was at the door of the New London home before the fire started.
He is 6-feet-4-inches, weighs 240 pounds, is unshaven and has a scar on his forehead, police said. He might be driving a white BMW with a New York registration.
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Anyone with information about what happened in Norwich is asked to contact Detective Steve Callender at 860-886-5561 ext. 3154 or by email at scallender@cityofnorwich.org. Callers can also leave anonymous tips at 860-886-5561 ext. 4.
Anyone with information about what happened in New London is asked to contact New London Police Department at (860) 447-5269 ext. 0