Thursday, August 30, 2001
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
BROOKFIELD -- Authorities expect to charge the owners of a 600-pound pig that a township man said attacked him.
Atty. Sean O'Brien, an assistant county prosecutor, said he plans to pursue in court a misdemeanor charge of failing to properly confine an animal. Police Chief Dan Faustino expected one of his officers to file the charge today or Friday.
"The officer has been off duty or else we would have done this sooner," Faustino said.
Bitten: The chief said the pig attacked Joseph Zagorec of Warren-Sharon Road about 3:30 p.m. Saturday.
Zagorec told police he was in his back yard with his son when he spotted the pig in the woods. Zagorec said he tried to get away, but the pig attacked and bit him repeatedly.
"The attack lasted 21/2 to 3 minutes," Zagorec said. "I was crushed by this pig." He said if his son hadn't been there to help him, his injuries could have been much worse. Zagorec was taken to a hospital.
"I had to get 23 external stitches and five internal stitches," Zagorec said. He noted that his arm is still swollen. Zagorec, a truck driver, said he will be off work for at least a week. He is considering legal action against the pig's owner.
Owners: Christa Bielobockie and her husband, of North Albright McKay Road, own the 18-month old sow.
Mrs. Bielobockie said PiggyBaby is "usually very gentle" and she does not know of any other problems.
However, neighbors of Zagorec's said they have been told that the pig bit someone else a few months ago.
Faustino said he cannot find any other police reports involving the animal.
"Maybe if someone was bit, but if it wasn't serious they may not have called the police and filed a report," Faustino said.
sinkovich@vindy.com