Heroic Father Saves Toddler from Dog Attack on NYC Sidewalk
A terrifying scene unfolded on a busy New York City sidewalk when a one-year-old boy was attacked by a pit bull. Pedestrians tried everything to save the child, but it wasn’t until a passing bodybuilder stepped in that the situation turned from tragedy to survival.
Kevin Richardson, a fitness enthusiast and father, has now spoken publicly about the harrowing moments when he had to choke the dog to free the toddler.
Kevin Richardson, a New York City father, was walking past a Santander Bank when he heard the screams of a child. Moments later,
he found himself facing a 24-month-old pit bull named Disco Bubba, which had clamped down on the toddler’s leg. Horrified onlookers tried to intervene—punching, kicking, and pulling the dog’s leash—but nothing worked.
“I had to choke the dog out,” Richardson said in a new YouTube video. “I wrapped it into a choke position, bicep pressing one artery, hand pressing the other, and squeezed as hard as I could. The dog was completely rigid, completely clamped down.”
There was a moment of fear. Richardson admitted he considered that if his efforts failed, the only other option would be to put the dog down. But after a tense struggle, the dog finally went limp, and Richardson released the hold before the animal passed out.
The Toddler’s Injuries
Video footage captured the chaos, with the boy’s mother shouting for help: “Call the police. Someone pull him off! Someone please!” Bystanders were visibly horrified. A man filming can be heard saying, “Oh my God. There is a hole in his f***ing leg, bro.”
The boy was rushed to NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, where he was treated for multiple leg lacerations and received numerous stitches. Police confirmed he is now in stable condition.
Authorities said the attack began when the child’s father picked him up, and the boy’s leg swung into the dog’s mouth. The pit bull, owned by a man who has referred to the dog on Instagram as his “best friend,” allegedly bit without warning. Despite the severity, the owner is not facing criminal charges, though the boy’s family is exploring legal options to have the dog euthanized.
“It’s walking around, that’s dangerous,” said the child’s uncle.
Social Media Praises Richardson
Richardson’s heroism has been widely celebrated online. Comments on YouTube praised his bravery and quick thinking:
“Kevin, you are a hero. Thank you for saving his life.”
“I teach my daughter ‘evil persists if good people do nothing.’ What a valuable display to show your son.”
“You deserve more recognition for your bravery. I’m not sure I would have done the same but strive to be more like you.”
After ensuring the toddler was safe and calming the family, Richardson quietly checked on his own son before continuing on his way to the Forbidden Planet comic book store.
Conclusion
Kevin Richardson’s quick thinking and courage turned a horrifying NYC dog attack into a story of survival. By acting decisively in the face of danger, he saved a young child’s life and reminded the world of the profound impact one brave individual can make. In moments like this, heroism is measured not by accolades, but by the lives preserved.