San Bernardino, CA — A 51-year-old woman was killed and another person seriously injured after a violent dog attack at Perris Hill Park in San Bernardino on Thursday, according to reports from FOX News and the Los Angeles Times.
Multiple Dogs Involved in Park Attack
Officers from the San Bernardino Police Department responded to reports of a dog attack in progress at the park. Upon arrival, they encountered a chaotic scene with multiple dogs roaming freely, some of which may have been strays, officials said.
“It was a bit of a chaotic scene at first because there were multiple dogs out there,”
— Sgt. Chris Gray, San Bernardino Police Department, via LA Times
One woman was found injured and bleeding, telling officers she had been bitten by the dogs. As an officer provided aid, two more dogs suddenly emerged from nearby brush and charged at them, according to FOX 11.
In defense, the officer opened fire, killing one of the dogs — which authorities confirmed was a pit bull.
Victim Identified as Teodora Mendoza
Shortly afterward, officers discovered a second victim about 30 yards away. The woman, later identified as Teodora Mendoza, 51, was suffering from severe injuries consistent with a dog mauling. She was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she died from her wounds, FOX News reported.
14 Dogs Seized from the Park
In the aftermath of the attack, San Bernardino Animal Control, in coordination with the police department, captured and removed 14 dogs from the park grounds. A police spokesperson confirmed this information to the Los Angeles Times but said it’s still unclear how many of the dogs were involved in the attack or where they came from.
Authorities have not confirmed if the dogs were owned, abandoned, or part of a feral pack, and the incident remains under investigation.
Community on Edge as Investigation Continues
The violent attack has left many in the San Bernardino community shaken, especially those who frequent Perris Hill Park. Local residents are urging officials to increase patrols and safety checks in public parks and green spaces, particularly in areas where stray animals are often reported.
Law enforcement and animal control teams are working to determine whether any additional dogs are unaccounted for, and what measures will be put in place to prevent future attacks.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.
