Authorities said a dog attacked two children and a woman at a youth recreation center in northeast Washington.

D.C. fire department spokesman Alan Etter says someone brought the dog to the center on 14th Street about 3:15 p.m. Tuesday. The children were playing with the dog when it attacked a 10-year-old girl and an 8-year-old boy.

"He looked scared." Walter Borum's eight-year-old nephew was among the victims. "And the dog ran up on my nephew and bit him several times," said Borum.

Police believe a female administrator at the center brought the dog into the building. Sources say the dog is a cane corso, which is a large breed, typically used as a guard dog. When confronted by ABC 7/NewsChannel 8 reporter Jay Korff, she refused to answer questions.

Authorities said the dog, now safely caged in a shelter, somehow got out of the building, ran onto a basketball court and attacked the eight-year-old boy and ten-year-old girl. "Obviously a very scary situation for young children who are in a situation like this," said Etter.
Police said the woman who brought the dog was bitten while pulling the animal off the children. "She is affiliated with the animal. Now, exactly who has ownership of the animal is still under investigation," said Commander Lamar Greene.

People don't understand why the dog was at the center in the first place. "It makes no sense. Nothing but kids here. Why take the risk," asked one resident.

Late Tuesday, the youth recreation center known as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington issued a statement. "Safety is our number one priority and BGCGW staff members continually strive to ensure the safety of Club members inside BGCGW facilities. BGCGW staff members go through ongoing training to ensure that youth and teens are provided with high quality services in a safe and fun environment," said spokesperson Kerrin Torres. BGCGW is not affiliated with Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington or Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Authorities said the woman who had possession of the dog was given a number of minor citations, but could face more serious charges. The children who were bitten have been treated and released from a local hospital. The fate of the dog remains uncertain.