VANDERGRIFT, PA—Three residents of Vandergrift are facing felony charges related to child endangerment after a second severe dog bite incident at their home. Alexis Keys, Ida, and Michael Stankiewicz were charged by local police on June 20.
The incident, which took place on May 19, involved a 3-year-old girl being bitten by a dog at the family’s Custer Avenue residence. Upon arrival, Vandergrift Police discovered Alexis Keys, the child’s mother, visibly distressed and covered in blood on the back porch. Despite initial resistance, Keys eventually led the officers inside, where they found the injured child on the third floor, screaming and also covered in blood.
Authorities noted that the child suffered a significant slash on the back of her head and appeared pale, prompting an urgent medical response. She was airlifted to Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh for treatment.
The dog, reportedly responsible for a previous bite incident involving another child last year, was being restrained by the grandfather, Michael Stankiewicz, at the time of the police intervention.
Police criticized Michael and Ida Stankiewicz for their failure to call 911 or provide any immediate medical aid to the child during this critical situation. This marks the second time a child in their care has suffered a dog bite under similar circumstances, raising serious concerns about the safety of the children in the home.