Whittier Man Pleads No Contest For Unleashing Pit Bull On Man His Son Was Allegedly Trying To Rob
NORWALK (CBS) — A Whittier man pleaded no contest Thursday to assault with a deadly weapon for unleashing a pit bull on a man the defendant's teenage son was allegedly trying to rob.
The alleged robbery victim was left with serious injuries.
Norwalk Superior Court Judge Margaret Bernal immediately sentenced Richard Rudy Aragon, 52, to three years in prison.
Two other counts against him -- mayhem and a second charge of assault with a deadly weapon -- were dismissed as a result of his plea.
Authorities said Aragon came to his 17-year-old son's assistance during a June 25 confrontation outside the Crestwood Apartments in the 8900 block of Painter Avenue in Whittier and released the pit bull. The dog bit off the tips of the victim's ears.
The teenager, whose name is not being released because of his age, is awaiting a hearing to determine whether he should stand trial as an adult or a juvenile on two counts of assault with a deadly weapon and one count each of attempted robbery and witness intimidation. He is due back in Juvenile Court Nov. 18.
Los Angeles County Animal Control officials seized the pit bull, which was quarantined.
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