Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and sheriff’s deputies responded around 4:40 p.m. to a report of an animal bite. Neighbors called 911 after hearing a girl scream. A woman who spoke through a Spanish translator said the dog held onto the girl, biting one arm before going after the other.

The sheriff’s office said a deputy tried to Tase the dog but missed. Diablo ran away and was still being sought, according to his owner, who asked not to be identified.

The owner said the incident was a shock and described the dog’s behavior as out of character. She said a mother and her two children help care for Diablo, providing food, water and baths. In exchange, she said, they receive free rent at the property.

The owner said she began looking for Diablo after the girl’s mother contacted her. No further information about the girl’s condition was available in the account of the incident.