15-year-old shot, killed during dog attack, medical examiner says

SUMMIT COUNTY, Ohio (WOIO/Gray News) – A 15-year-old boy was shot and killed during a dog attack in Akron, Ohio, Tuesday.

The Summit County medical examiner said the shooting happened about 7:20 p.m.

Akron police said a 14-year-old boy went to Josiah Harris’s home to visit. When the 14-year-old approached the house, Harris’s dog ran toward him and began attacking, latching onto his left arm, police said.

While being attacked, the 14-year-old pulled out a gun and fired multiple shots, hitting both the dog and Harris, who was trying to pull the dog away.

The 14-year-old then ran to a nearby house, where family members called 911.

Harris was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The other teen was taken to the hospital to be treated for injuries from the dog attack. The dog was also given emergency care.

Harris was a triplet, leaving behind two sisters and a large extended family. His aunt, Donta Spaulding, said the family is devastated.

“Josiah’s gone. He’s never coming back,” Spaulding said.

She described her nephew as a devoted family member.

“Josiah was a loving teenager. He loved his dog and he loved his sisters. He was very protective. He’s a mama’s boy,” Spaulding said.

Harris’s family said the dog is still alive and receiving care at a veterinary clinic. No charges have been filed at this point, and the 14-year-old who fired the gun is not currently in jail.