A Chicago family is facing mounting challenges after a devastating series of events left their 6-year-old daughter recovering from a dog attack and the family without transportation.
At a Glance
- A 6-year-old girl was attacked by a dog on December 28, requiring hospitalization and stitches
- The family’s car was stolen on December 31, the same day the child was released from the hospital
- $4,500 fundraising goal set up to help family replace vehicle and cover medical expenses
- Why it matters: The family now faces difficulty getting their daughter to necessary medical appointments
The traumatic events began on December 28 when Jamiee Lester’s daughter became the victim of what she described as an aggressive dog attack. The child spent three days in the hospital receiving treatment, including stitches to her face and arm, before being discharged on December 31.
A Double Tragedy on New Year’s Eve
The family’s ordeal intensified on the very day their daughter returned home. According to Lester’s Facebook post, their vehicle was stolen from a local gas station on December 31. The car was later totaled during a high-speed chase, leaving the family without transportation.
The timing proved particularly devastating. With multiple medical appointments ahead for their daughter, the family now faces significant challenges accessing necessary healthcare services.
Suspect Apprehended After Stolen Vehicle Incident
Authorities later identified Deondre Logan as the suspect in connection with the car theft. The Grundy County Sheriff’s Office announced his arrest in a Facebook news release.
The situation escalated when Logan became combative during processing. According to police, while receiving aid at a nearby hospital before being booked, Logan “started to spit at deputies.”
Logan faces multiple charges including:
- Aggravated assault
- Possession of a stolen motor vehicle
- Aggravated fleeing/eluding a peace officer
- Resisting or obstructing a peace officer
- Reckless driving
- Speeding 35 mph or more over the posted speed limit
Additionally, he faces two McLean County warrants for burglary and possible stolen vehicle charges, plus an Illinois Department of Corrections warrant for parole violation.
Family’s Plea for Community Support
With their daughter requiring ongoing medical care and no reliable transportation, Lester established a GoFundMe campaign to help the family through what she called a “nightmare” situation.
“We are now in a position where we have no way to get our daughter to all of her future doctor appointments out of town,” Lester explained in the fundraising campaign. “Coming off the holiday season, we find ourselves without the means to replace our car.”
The mother emphasized the importance of continued medical treatment for her daughter’s recovery. Despite being home from the hospital, the child’s “journey is far from over,” with several more doctor’s appointments, counseling sessions, and potentially additional surgeries in the near future.
Community Response Sought
Lester acknowledged the financial strain many families face but emphasized their desperate situation. “We know that life is incredibly hard for everyone right now, but we have nowhere else to turn,” she wrote.
The family established a $4,500 fundraising goal to secure reliable transportation and ensure their daughter can receive necessary medical care.
“We are simply trying to ensure our daughter can get the medical care she deserves so she can heal and feel safe again,” Lester stated.
Those unable to donate financially are encouraged to share the family’s story. “Any amount – no matter how small – will go directly toward securing reliable transportation for our family,” the mother added.
The family expressed deep appreciation for community support during this difficult period, stating they “appreciate your kindness, prayers and support more than words can say.”
Key Takeaways
- The family’s challenges compound with both immediate medical needs and long-term transportation issues
- The stolen vehicle incident resulted in multiple criminal charges against the suspect
- Community fundraising efforts focus on both financial assistance and raising awareness
- The 6-year-old victim faces an extended recovery process with ongoing medical appointments
