Man, 29, Arrested In Connection With Case Of Fatal Pit Bull Mauling
LITTLEROCK (CBLS.com) — A 29-year-old Littlerock man has been arrested for allegedly running a marijuana "grow" operation on his property where he had several pit bulls that may have been involved in the fatal mauling Thursday of a female jogger.
The unidentified victim was reportedly a 63-year-old Littlerock woman.
The mauling -- by as many as four different pit bulls -- occurred Thursday morning around 9:30 a.m. at 116th Street East and Avenue S, Littlerock, said officials.
Authorities announced the arrest of the 29-year-old man -- who allegedly owned eight dogs in all, six pits and two mixed breeds -- Thursday evening.
CBS2's Juan Fernandez reported the pit bills were taken into custody in a home that is about a quarter-mile from the attack.
Palmdale Sheriff's responded to a call about a woman being attacked by dogs. Upon arrival, they found the woman being mauled. A deputy fired rounds causing the attacking dogs to flee.
Neighbor Conrado Gonzales says he saw a pack of dogs go by. "I was in my backyard this morning and I saw the big dog go fast."
A female motorist reportedly saw the attack and called 911. When she tried to use her car to distract the dogs, they started biting the tires.
The Department of Animal Care and Control and local residents reported to detectives that a homeowner in the 37300 block of 115th Street owned many pits.
Jeff Nguyen, reporting for KCAL9, spoke to Lt. John Corina from the LA County Sheriff's Dept. "We got some information from Animal Control and the community that this house has contained pit bulls that have been aggressive in the past," said Corina.
LASD Homicide Bureau with the assistance of the Department of Animal Care and Control are investigating whether these dogs were involved in the fatal mauling.Corina explains, "We'll probably try to get some DNA off the dogs to match the victim and see if they were the ones that attacked."
County Supervisor Mike Antonovich says a $25,000 reward for information leading to the capture to the dogs involved in the deadly attack still stands.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau (323) 890-5500.
