A newborn was killed by the family dog while in the parents' bed Friday morning, San Diego Police confirmed.
The 3-day-old died following the attack in a home on Flanders Drive near Camino Ruiz in the Mira Mesa area.
Sgt. Tuu Nguyen, of the Child Abuse Unit San Diego Police Department, described the baby's death as a tragic accident. His unit was called as it is in any child death investigation.
The mother and father of the newborn were watching television in bed with the baby and the dog, Nguyen said.
When the mother suddenly coughed, "the dog made contact with the baby leading to traumatic injuries," Nguyen said.
The parents rushed the newborn to the hospital, but the baby did not survive.
Nguyen did not go into details regarding the injuries the baby suffered, saying the San Diego County Medical Examiner's office would determine the cause of death.
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The dog is in the custody of the Department of Animal Services and under quarantine.
It was described as a 2-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier by agency Deputy Director Dan DeSousa.
DeSousa did not have details on the attack but told NBC 7 an animal is placed under quarantine any time it bites or breaks human skin.
He added that the family can direct them to euthanize the dog but they have not received that directive.
The location of the incident is near Mesa Verde neighborhood park and south of Mira Mesa High School.
Check back for updates on this developing story.
