Boy mauled by dogs goes home

Tuesday, March 4, 2003 | 9:42 a.m.

A 7-year-old North Las Vegas boy who was mauled by two pit bulls was released Sunday from University Medical Center.

Austin Bechtel had to undergo several surgeries, including one to repair a skull fracture caused by one of the dogs. The boy required more than 100 stitches to close his wounds.

"It was just a sigh of relief for us that he's home," said Sean Hughes, Austin's father. He said the child "will be on an intense antibiotic program for a while.

"He can play, but within reason. He can go outside, but not without either his mom or me watching him."

Hughes said the serious wounds to Austin's head and face need to heal properly to avoid scar tissue. Bechtel's final surgery last week was to remove bone fragments from his brain, apparently caused by one of the dogs biting down on his head.

After a week of home therapy, a decision will be made as to when Bechtel can return to classes at Raul P. Elizondo Elementary School. He is a first grader and was student of the month for his class for February.

Austin was playing outside his family home in the 400 block of Villa Espana in the Rancho Del Norte Estates when he was attacked by the two pit bulls Feb. 23.

His parents and authorities credited him with keeping the dogs from getting at a toddler and another friend, and they said his quick thinking -- rolling himself into a protective ball position -- probably saved his own life.

A neighbor armed with a baseball bat came to Austin's assistance, striking the dogs, who fled and later were captured.

North Las Vegas Police said last week that they now know the names of the dogs, and investigators believe the owner lives in the 400 block of Rancho Del Mar, in the same neighborhood where Austin was attacked.

Police said Friday they are looking for a woman named Mickey Williams to question about the dogs and the attack. Police say it is not known whether she is the owner. Williams also is yet to be found, police said today.

The dogs have not been destroyed. North Las Vegas Police spokesman Mark Martin said that would require a court proceeding to determine whether they indeed are vicious animals. A court date is pending the owner being located and charges being filed, Martin said.

The Austin Bechtel Medical Fund has been established at Bank of America to help defray medical costs from the attack. Hughes said donors can go to any branch of the bank and make deposits.