Frank Monte, 59, was fatally mauled by a pit bull named Bean inside a Staten Island residence on New Dorp Lane around 4 p.m. on January 18, 2026. NYPD officers found him dead with severe bite wounds to his arms and thighs; he was visiting but did not live there, and EMS pronounced him at the scene.
Attack Details
The black pit bull attacked suddenly while Monte was at the home, which had prior NYPD visits for unrelated drug issues. Neighbors described Bean as violent with a history of bites—including one on a friend five times—and aggressive fence-charging, likening it to a “tiger.” Some alleged owner abuse, noting the dog once roamed loose.
Aftermath and Probe
Police tranquilized and seized the dog, now held by Animal Care Centers of NYC in an active investigation. They’re seeking the owner for potential charges like reckless endangerment or manslaughter, common in NYC under local Health Code §161.05 for dangerous dogs. No owner identified yet; Monte had reportedly been sober eight months post-drug history.
This marks the sixth U.S. fatal dog attack of 2026, fifth by pit bull, amid ongoing breed debates.
