Passenger in Saugus pit bull attack arraigned in Lynn

LYNN – The man who was a passenger inside a car that contained a pit bull that bit Saugus Animal Control Officer Harry Young during a police traffic stop was arraigned Thursday in Lynn District Court.James Moore, 42, of 175 Grandview Ave., Revere, was arrested during the incident and charged with violating the town’s knife bylaw and possession of a dangerous weapon.State Police identified the driver and dog owner as Russell Jones, 64, of 1 Linehurst Road, Revere. His car was pulled over on Lincoln Avenue at about 8:50 p.m. for suspicion of drunken driving.He was not arrested. A police report does not indicate why officers allowed him to drive away.The Trooper said in a police report that Jones was swerving over the center line before being pulled over. Once the car stopped, the officer said a large pit bull was barking and slamming itself against the window.Police said a strong odor of alcohol was coming from the car and an open Budweiser beer can spilled all over the front seat.Moore was ordered from the car and allegedly refused to remove his right hand from his pants pocket despite being asked several times, police said. The officer later found a large knife with a brass knuckle inside the pocket, according to police.The Trooper called for assistance from a Saugus police K-9 officer and Young, the town’s only animal control officer. As Young tried to properly remove the dog from the vehicle, the animal bit him on the hand causing two puncture wounds.Saugus Police Lt. Michael Annese said Jones was cited for a vicious dog violation. The animal was initially transported to a veterinarian but later allowed back with his owner.Judge Stacey Fortes-White ordered Moore held on $500 bail and back to court Feb. 6 for a pre-trial hearing.