Family and friends of a four-year-old Houma child killed by a pit bull have set up a fundraising account to cover the child's funeral expenses.

Four-year-old Mia DeRouen was killed Tuesday evening after a pit bull became vicious, attacking both DeRouen and her mother.

Houma Police Chief Todd Duplantis says officers found the mother and child seeking safety from the vicious animal around 7 p.m. Tuesday.

"The mother was able to barricade herself inside of her bedroom, and she was actually screaming for help when the officers arrived," Duplantis said. "She handed over her child through a window to medical personnel."

When officers went inside the apartment, they found the dog loose and out of control, Duplantis said.

"The officers at the time noticed the pit bull was still inside the residence and running loose in a very vicious manner," he continued. "The officers, in an effort to reduce further injuries, utilized their weapons and utilized lethal force to stop the dog."

DeRouen was transported to Terrebonne General Hospital, where she died from injuries to the head and face. Her mother, 27-year old Megan Touchet, was also injured in the attack and had to be hospitalized.

Duplanits said Animal Control was called out to the scene

"Animal control was called out, and they removed a second pit bull who didn't receive any injuries, and they also removed the body of the pit bull who attacked the child," Duplantis said. "The investigation is still ongoing."

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