ORO GRANDE, Calif. (VVNG.com) — Authorities identified the 5-year-old boy killed in a dog attack as Sterling Vermeer, a resident of Oro Grande.

It happened on Monday, February 10, 2020, just before 3:00 pm,m at corner residence in the 15100 block of Portland Street.

The victim was being supervised by an adult who stepped out of the room for less than a minute when the dog latched onto the boy’s neck and wouldn’t let go.

There were no other children present during the attack and the owner signed over custody of the dog to the San Bernardino County Animal Control.

Family members who spoke to other news outlets and said the dog has been in the family for 12 years.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to contact Detective J. Collins at Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station, (760) 552-6800. Persons wishing to remain anonymous can report information to WeTip by calling 1-800-78-CRIME, or by accessing the website at www.wetip.com.

Related Article: 5-year-old dies after dog attack in Oro Grande