ATLANTA, GEORGIA — A man in Atlanta has been charged with involuntary manslaughter after his two pit bulls mauled a young boy to death and severely injured a young girl.

The incident occurred on Tuesday morning, when Logan Braatz, 6, and Syrai Sanders, 5, were walking to F.L. Stanton Elementary School.

Pit bull owner Cameron Tucker didn’t know anything was wrong until he stepped out to his fenced backyard and realized his pit bulls were not there. The dogs had gotten out and were chasing the school kids. Neighbors went after the dogs with sticks and bats, but it was too late for Logan, who was mauled to death, while Syrai was badly bitten.

Logan’s mother said a courageous witness carried her son to an ambulance that had just arrived. She said it was already too late for her to do anything to help him.

What prompted Tucker’s pit bulls to attack the children is not known. Tucker’s attorney said his client was shocked by what happened. He said the dogs were part of the family and were around kids all the time, CBS-affiliate WAFB reported.

Sanders was hospitalized and was listed in good condition on Wednesday.

Tucker was given a $70,000 bond by a judge on Wednesday. The two pit bulls are being held in the custody of animal control.