Video: Boy hospitalized after pit bull attack

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SEATTLE – A six-year-old Moses Lake boy was in serious condition Tuesday night after a pit bull pushed open a gate and attacked him in his yard.

"He's not really wanting to eat and he's in a lot of pain for a six-year-old boy,” said Alissa Gonzales, Alex Medina’s aunt.

Family members say Alex was playing in his grandmother’s back yard when the dog named Fresno pushed through the fence. Alex turned to run and the dog pounced, biting his face, ears and scalp. His mother and neighbors fought the dog off.

Othello Richards / KREM.com

The pit bull suspected of attacking a Moses Lake child

Alex’s injuries were so severe, he was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

"They estimate it will be about a month. He'll need a lot of things done and a lot of future surgeries,” said Gonzales.

Workers at the Grant County Animal Shelter say the seven-year-old, 130 pound dog is one of the largest they’ve ever seen.

“He’s a very unpredictable dog. He can be fine one moment and the next moment, he’s wanting out of that kennel to go after whether it be a dog in another kennel or a staff member,” said shelter worker Mary Deheriea.

Police have already decided the dog should be put down.

"It's difficult, especially with a small child like that,” said Chief Dean Mitchell, Moses Lake Police. “The community is concerned and we’re looking into it and the investigation is ongoing.

Police say the owner will face charges.