Child, 8, Killed In Attack By Dogs North Of DeLand

Date Added: January 13, 2025 7:54 pm

A local family is dealing with tragedy tonight after a pair of dogs fatally attacked an 8-year-old boy north of DeLand.

The attack was reported just before 5 p.m. Monday in the area of Arabesque Drive and Airport Road, off CR 15A. Witnesses called 911 and began CPR on the victim, but he was not able to survive his injuries.

Responding deputies chased the loose dogs down the road. Volusia County Animal Services officers also responded to the scene and captured both animals, one described as a pit bull and the other a mixed breed.

The dogs have been confiscated and are being held in quarantine by Animal Services.

A joint investigation is underway to determine the circumstances of the attack. Additional details are not available for release at this time. 

Sheriff Mike Chitwood plans to provide an initial briefing on the tragedy on Tuesday following the preliminary results of the initial investigation.

“I don’t know what anyone can say to ease the immense pain this family is feeling tonight,” Sheriff Chitwood said this evening. “This is a tragedy beyond comprehension, especially for those of us who are parents and grandparents. I can only ask our community to say a prayer of strength for this family and keep them in your hearts as they face their worst nightmare.”

***

Update: 

Sheriff Chitwood and Volusia County Animal Services Director Angela Miedema provided this media briefing today (Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025) on yesterday's DeLand-area dog attack that tragically took the life of 8-year-old Michael Millett. This briefing does not contain any graphic footage, but it begins with a portion of 911 audio that is heartbreaking to hear.

If you have information on prior encounters or sightings of these dogs roaming free, contact VSO at: 386-943-7866