Tragedy
3-Year-Old Boy Dies After Dog Attack in Brooklyn Park
Brooklyn Park, MN – A tragic incident unfolded in Brooklyn Park last week when a 3-year-old boy, Covil Allen, was viciously attacked by two dogs. The young boy succumbed to his injuries days after the attack, leaving his family and the community in mourning.
The attack occurred on Friday at approximately 12:45 p.m. in the backyard of a home located in the 7500 block of Brooklyn Park Drive North. Brooklyn Park police officers responded to the scene and found two pit bulls attacking Covil. In an attempt to save the boy, officers discharged their weapons, killing one dog and injuring the other. The injured dog was later transported to a veterinary hospital, where it was euthanized.
Covil was immediately given medical attention by the officers before being transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, Covil's injuries proved too severe, and he passed away a few days later.
In the wake of this devastating loss, Covil's parents, Natasha Palacios Vega and Charles Allen, made the difficult decision to donate their son's organs. A family friend, Dustin Chromey, shared an update on the Allen family's GoFundMe page, stating, "Covil's organs are in the process of being donated to save more children's lives in hopes that no other parent has to endure the pain that they are experiencing right now."
The GoFundMe campaign, which aims to raise $35,000 to help the family cope with medical and funeral expenses, has so far garnered over $23,000 in donations. The outpouring of support from the community has been a source of comfort for the grieving family.
Brooklyn Park police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack. Police Inspector Elliot Faust confirmed that detectives are actively working on the case and will present their findings to the appropriate authorities for review. Faust also noted that the city is grappling with an increase in incidents involving potentially dangerous dogs.
"It's a problem in our community," Faust said. "We had more potentially dangerous dogs this year than we did last year."
The tragic death of Covil Allen has sparked a broader conversation about dog safety in Brooklyn Park. City leaders and elected officials are discussing measures to address the issue and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Just days after Covil's attack, another child in Brooklyn Park was bitten by a dog. A 7-year-old girl was attacked by a loose dog around 4:40 p.m. on Tuesday in the 7500 block of N. Janelle Avenue. She suffered superficial injuries, and officers had to euthanize the dog when it attempted to attack another child.
Covil Allen's short life was marked by joy and innocence. His untimely death has left a void in the hearts of those who knew him. As the community rallies around the Allen family, there is a collective hope that Covil's legacy will be one of life-saving generosity through organ donation.
The family has expressed their gratitude for the support they have received and continue to ask for privacy as they navigate this difficult time.
For those wishing to support the Allen family, donations can be made through the GoFundMe page set up in Covil's memory.
The tragic loss of 3-year-old Covil Allen has underscored the importance of addressing dog safety in the community. As the investigation continues, Brooklyn Park residents are united in their grief and determination to prevent such a heartbreaking incident from happening again.