Man accused in pit bull's attack on girl, 9

BENTON -- A southern Illinois man is accused of child endangerment after authorities say his pit bull attacked and injured a 9-year-old girl bicycling near his home.

Franklin County prosecutors charged 29-year-old Brian Copperthite of West City with three child endangerment counts. One relates to Saturday's dog attack, while the other two involve children in his home.

Authorities tell KFVS-TV that Caitlyn Lowery was bicycling near in a West City trailer park when a pit bull escaped from Copperthite's home, knocked the girl from her bike and attacked before Copperthite regained control of the dog.

The girl received 25 stitches to close up four puncture wounds.

The 8-month-old dog was euthanized with the owner's consent and was to be tested for rabies.

Copperthite hasn't returned a call seeking comment.